Xu Heng

Xu Heng OBE (December 6, 1912 – February 3, 2009) was born in Huaxian, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou. He was a Chinese athlete, naval rear admiral, entrepreneur, sports figure, and politician in the Republic of China.

Biography

Born in Guangzhou in 1912, Xu Heng graduated from National Jinan University in 1935 with a degree in political economy. He was an outstanding athlete in his youth, representing his country in both football and volleyball. In 1930, he won the volleyball championship at the 9th Far Eastern Championship Games, and in 1934, he earned a football gold medal and a volleyball silver medal at the 10th Far Eastern Championship Games.

After graduating from the naval academy, Xu Heng served in the Navy. During the outbreak of the Pacific War, he served as aide to General Chen Ce in Hong Kong, assisting Chen and British forces to break out of encirclement, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He later commanded the Yongning warship. After retiring as a rear admiral, he became a successful businessman and devoted himself to sports promotion. From 1970 to 1988, he served as a member of the International Olympic Committee. Between 1973 and 1987, he was selected as an additional member of the Legislative Yuan, representing overseas Chinese in the British Hong Kong constituency.

Anecdotes

In December 1941, when Japan invaded Hong Kong, Xu Heng helped General Chen Ce and the British forces break out. While fetching a British torpedo boat on Ap Lei Chau, Chen was wounded in the left wrist. Xu Heng carried him to safety. It is said that Chen Ce, in gratitude for being saved by Xu Heng, converted to Christianity in 1943.