Chinese sprinter Xie Zhenye has showcased his stellar form ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by setting a season-best time of 10.05 seconds in the preliminary round of a pre-Olympic men’s 100-meter warmup race in Italy. The competition, held on July 13 and 14, served as a critical test for athletes gearing up for the global stage.
On July 13, Xie dominated the preliminary heats, clocking his fastest time this season. Building on this momentum, he advanced through the semifinals on July 14 with a time of 10.08 seconds. In a nail-biting final, Xie secured second place with a time of 10.09 seconds, narrowly behind Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, the Tokyo 2021 Olympic gold medalist, who finished in 10.08 seconds.
Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse, the bronze medalist from Tokyo 2021, finished third in the final with a time of 10.11 seconds. The close competition among these world-class athletes highlights the intense rivalry and high stakes as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics.
Turning 31 in August, Xie continues to be a formidable force on the track. He has already qualified for the men’s 200-meter and the men’s 4×100-meter relay events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Earlier, at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in 2023, Xie clinched gold medals in both the men’s 100-meter and the men’s 4×100-meter relay events, contributing significantly to China’s athletic achievements.
Xie’s experience and dedication have been pivotal for China’s sprinting success on the international stage. Notably, at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he, along with teammates Su Bingtian, Tang Xingqiang, and Wu Zhiqiang, secured the men’s 4×100-meter bronze medal, marking a significant milestone for Chinese athletics.
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Xie’s recent performances signal a strong potential for podium finishes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he aims to bring glory to China in the fiercely competitive sprint events.
Reference(s):
Chinese sprinter Xie Zhenye sets season-best in pre-Olympic 100m race
cgtn.com
