China's athletics scene celebrated a breakthrough performance as Shanghai hurdler Qin Weibo claimed gold at the Chinese National Indoor Athletics Championships in Jinan on Sunday. Clocking a personal best of 7.56 seconds in the men’s 60-meter hurdles, Qin edged out rivals Zeng Jianhang and Zhu Shenglong in a tightly contested race.
Qin attributed his victory to improved balance early in the sprint, allowing for smoother acceleration. “I had a better start today — that made all the difference,” he remarked. The win secured his place alongside teammates Liu Junxi and Zhu Shenglong as one of three Chinese athletes qualifying for the World Athletics Indoor Championship, set to kick off in Nanjing on March 21.
The result also bolstered Qin’s confidence for the outdoor 110-meter hurdles later this year. “A 7.56-second finish in the first 60 meters sets me up well for the full race,” he said, targeting a sub-13.20-second time that would surpass his 2023 performances.
Nanjing, a hub for global sporting events, is expected to draw significant attention as China strengthens its presence in international athletics. Qin’s achievement highlights the country’s growing competitiveness in track and field, offering inspiration for aspiring athletes across Asia.
