At the Chinese National Junior Athletics Championships in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, rising hurdler Chen Yuanjiang stunned spectators by smashing the men's 110m hurdles Asian junior record.
The 19-year-old darted over obstacles in an electrifying 12.96 seconds, slicing 0.23 seconds off the previous mark set by Japan's Shunsuke Izumiya.
Starting strong in lane four, Chen accelerated early, building an unassailable lead before crossing the finish line. Chen told reporters 'I set my sights on this record two years ago but kept it to myself,' his pride evident.
Behind him, Liu Guangheng of Zhejiang claimed silver while Sichuan's Peng Yu took bronze. At the standard 106.7cm height, the Asian junior benchmark of 13.12 seconds remains Liu Xiang's to beat.
In other finals, Wei Liwei sped to the women's 100m hurdles title in 13.94 seconds, fending off Hebei's Zhang Jingyun, and Beijing's Li Yuan secured bronze in the women's 800m, her fourth medal after golds in the 3,000m and 1,500m and a silver in the 5,000m.
Chen's record-breaking run highlights the new wave of talent emerging in Asian track and field, setting the stage for tomorrow's global stars.
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China's Chen Yuanjiang breaks men's 110m hurdles Asian junior record
cgtn.com