The Next Generation of Chinese Hurdlers: Athletes Emerge to Fill Liu Xiang's Legacy
In a stunning turn of events, a 21-year-old Chinese athlete, Liu Junzhe, has emerged as a potential successor to the legendary Liu Xiang, China's iconic hurdler. On February 15, Liu Junzhe won the men's 60-meter hurdles at the 2025 National Indoor Athletics Grand Prix in Xi'an with a remarkable time of 7.53 seconds, just shy of Liu Xiang's national record of 7.41 seconds. This impressive achievement has sent shockwaves through the Chinese athletics community, with many hailing Liu Junzhe as the "new Liu Xiang." The young athlete's performance has not only drawn attention for its exceptional speed but also for his uncanny resemblance to Liu Xiang in certain angles.
17 February 2025
Liu Junzhe's rise to prominence is not an overnight sensation. Born in 2003 in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, he has been steadily making a name for himself in the athletics world. In 2023, he won the men's 60-meter hurdles at the National Indoor Athletics Invitational, and later that year, he claimed the top spot in the men's 110-meter hurdles at the National Athletics Grand Prix. His winning streak continued into 2024, with a victory in the men's 60-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Tour in Astana.
As Liu Junzhe continues to make waves in the athletics world, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how he will perform in future competitions. With his sights set on surpassing Liu Xiang's records, the young athlete is poised to become a leading figure in Chinese track and field. The question on everyone's mind is: can he live up to the expectations and become the next Liu Xiang? Only time will tell, but for now, the future of Chinese athletics looks brighter than ever.
Liu Juncai, another talented young athlete, has also been making a significant mark in the world of track and field, drawing comparisons to Liu Xiang. His participation in last year's Paris Olympics, where he competed in the men's 110-meter hurdles, showcased his remarkable talent. Although he failed to advance to the semifinals, ranking sixth in his preliminary heat and third in the repechage, his performance hinted at a promising future.
The emergence of Liu Juncai and other young hurdlers has sparked a sense of excitement and optimism, with veteran athlete Shi Dongpeng jokingly remarking that he might have to make a comeback. Shi's lighthearted comment underscores the impact that Liu and his contemporaries are having on the sport, as they push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire their peers to strive for excellence. As the track and field world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of Chinese athletics is in good hands with talented young athletes like Liu Junzhe and Liu Juncai leading the way.
With the emergence of these talented hurdlers, a new era in Chinese athletics has begun. These athletes have been making waves in the track and field world with their impressive records and dominant performances in the 110-meter hurdles. As the closest athletes to the legendary Liu Xiang, they have the potential to usher in a new generation of Chinese athletic success, drawing comparisons to Liu's own illustrious career. With their lightning-fast speed and precise technique, they are poised to take the international stage by storm, bringing hope and excitement to fans of Chinese athletics.
