In 1995, Chao Na was selected for the 2nd FINA World Short Course Championships in Rio de Janeiro. She won a silver medal in the 100-metre freestyle and became world champion in the 4 x 100-metre freestyle relay. Two years later, at the 3rd FINA World Short Course Championships in Gothenburg, Chao Na again became world champion in the 4 x 100-metre freestyle relay. The winning Chinese relay team set a new world record, finishing at 3.34,55 minutes. The record remained unbeaten until 2006.