Olympic champion Sheng Lihao cemented his status as one of China's premier shooting talents by securing his first National Games gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event on Tuesday. The 20-year-old phenom from Jiangsu Province dominated the final in Guangzhou with a score of 254.6 points, outpacing a field that included multiple Olympic and world champions.
Sheng, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time World Cup winner, showcased remarkable consistency throughout the competition. His victory marks a career milestone after earning bronze in his National Games debut four years ago. 'This medal completes my collection,' Sheng told reporters after the event, reflecting on his rapid ascent in the sport.
The final saw intense competition from 50m rifle three positions Olympic champions Liu Yukun (Shaanxi) and Zhang Changhong (Shandong). However, Sheng maintained a steady lead, entering the final two shots with a decisive two-point advantage. Jilin's Wang Yutong took silver, while Liu Yukun settled for bronze in the closely watched event.
As China continues developing world-class athletes ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sheng's performance underscores the depth of talent emerging from the country's competitive sports system.
