Editor's Note:

Generation Alpha is growing up in an era marked by technological advancement and deepening globalization. It possess broader perspectives, greater adaptability to technology, and more open mindsets. These youth are not only the builders of tomorrow, but also active participants in today's social changes.

This series will offer an in-depth look at the unique personalities, values, and stories of China's Gen Alpha, as we aim to showcase this emerging generation's innovation and practice, presenting a multidimensional portrayal, and igniting discourse about the role of these young individuals in shaping the future of society, while highlighting their contributions to cultural evolution.

Liu Yuxuan drives a karting car. Photo: Courtesy of Liu Yuxuan

At just 10 years old, Liu Yuxuan from Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, has made a name for himself in karting. 

Over the weekend, he secured third place in the IAME Series China's cadet category, a remarkable feat given that the first- and second-place winners were older drivers preparing to move up to the next class.

His journey to the podium, however, was anything but easy. Yuxuan's father, Liu Jiada, told the Global Times that the race started off poorly, with Yuxuan dropping to the sixth place. But he ultimately fought his way back to third place.

China's emerging Generation Alpha athletes is passionate and ambitious. Whether chasing the adrenaline-fueled dream of Formula 1 or striving for dominance on the tennis court, these young talents are leveraging new opportunities to push their limits.

With more advanced data analytics refining their techniques and digital platforms amplifying their reach, they stand at the cusp of possibilities unimaginable to their predecessors.

Yet, at the heart of their journey lies the same unwavering commitment and perseverance that propelled icons like driver Zhou Guanyu and tennis ace Li Na to international acclaim. 

Karting rise

Today's rising stars may have new tools at their disposal, but their relentless drive, commitment to excellence, and hunger for success remain ­timeless.

"This result is proof of his progress­," Jiada said. "Step by step, he's improving. Technically, he has made significant strides."

Yuxuan's passion for racing started early, watching F1 with his father. By age 3, he told his father, "I want to drive F1 when I grow up. I'm not afraid of hardship." 

Recognizing his son's determination, Jiada supported his son's interest, buying him a helmet for his 6th birthday and paying for karting lessons. After exploring other hobbies, Yuxuan decisively chose racing.

In 2022, 7-year-old Yuxuan joined a processional racing team in Shenzhen but registered disappointing results. 

"He would cry after races, saying, 'I don't think I'm this slow,'" his father recalled. In July 2023 came the turning point when he joined Fusion Motorsport, a British kart racing team. 

Although the high cost of tens of thousands of ­dollars for just a few weeks seemed daunting, they took the leap of faith. Yuxuan's first major competition in the UK saw him finish 11th out of 30 in his class, a breakthrough moment for him. Back in China, his performances improved. 

In one race held in Dongguan, South China's Guangdong Province, he was on track for a podium finish before a crash forced him out.

Making it to F1 like Zhou remains the ultimate dream for Yuxuan. 

"This is our ultimate goal, ­something we are fully committed to ­pursuing," Jiada told the Global Times. "But as a father, I accept whatever the outcome may be," he added. 

At the F1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last month, Yuxuan interacted with top F1 drivers, including Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Zhou.

Like Zhou, Yuxuan started karting at a young age before heading to Europe to study and compete, paving the way for his F1 dream. 

In his father's view, the environment­ for Gen Alpha to pursue­ their sporting dreams has changed significantly. Despite relentlessly pursuing his F1 dream, Yuxuan has never neglected his studies. 

Gen Alpha children will grow up in an AI-driven world, in an environment vastly different from today's, Jiada said, so he supports his son Yuxuan adapting to this changing landscape.

Chai Hao hits a forehand in a tennis training session. Photo: Courtesy of Chai Hao

Best gift

In the same vein, Chai Hao, a 10-year-old girl who currently trains with a club in Beijing while balancing her studies and her passion for tennis, noting that tennis is the best gift that she has had so far.

During the 2025 winter vacation, Chai signed up for 12 youth tournaments and reached the finals in nine of them, securing six championships and three runner-up titles, accumulating over 60 victories. 

Notably, in most of these matches, she faced opponents who were older and taller. No matter who stood on the other side of the net, she remained fully committed, trying to do her best.

Chai's father told the Global Times that playing tennis has made her mentally strong and more resilient. She never gives in to challenges and has gained greater confidence. 

"I love watching matches featuring Chinese players. I like Li and Zheng Qinwen. I also watch other players' matches to learn from their strengths," Chai Hao noted.

Regarding her dream, her father said she doesn't have any specific plans for a professional tennis career at the moment. 

"She just hopes to keep moving forward step by step and improve her skills as she gets older," said the father.