At the foot of Mont Blanc on August 28, China's Yao Miao conquered a grueling 55-kilometer course in the UTMB OCC (Orsieres-Champex-Chamonix) race in the French Alps, crossing the line in second place. But when Kenya's Joyline Chepngeno was disqualified for a doping violation 10 days later, Yao was crowned champion, securing her second consecutive UTMB OCC win.
Combined with her 2018 victory in the CCC (100-kilometer category), Yao has become the first Asian athlete to claim three UTMB titles across different events. At just 28, she is rewriting the history of Chinese trail running with her blend of grit and strategy.
Growing up in the mountains of Guizhou Province, Yao once dreamed of escaping rural life. After missing out on the provincial track and field team, she found her passion on the trails, quickly dominating national races and earning the nickname China's Queen of Trail Running.
Injuries and health issues in 2019 forced her into marathons, but the call of the mountains was too strong. With a new support team applying scientific training methods, she has learned to balance her fierce competitive spirit with sustainable, joy-driven running and the results speak for themselves.
As Yao Miao heads into the next season, her story resonates with young global citizens, business innovators, and eco-conscious travelers alike: the journey you run can be as meaningful as the podium you reach.
Reference(s):
From mountains to podiums, Yao Miao's tale of trail running triumph
cgtn.com
