He pushed through the headwind and finished the race.
Tips
usage
Both literal (sailing, cycling, running) and figurative ('against the trend / fighting headwinds'). The figurative use exploded after the popular phrase 逆风翻盘 (nìfēng fānpán, 'flip the game in the face of a headwind') from gaming and sports commentary, now used for any underdog comeback.
memory
Direct opposite of 顺风 (shùnfēng, tailwind / smooth-sailing). 逆 (nì) means 'against / contrary', same in 逆流 (against the current), 叛逆 (rebellious), 逆境 (adversity).
