The Shuangliu Sports Centre Stadium in Chengdu, the bustling capital of Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, was alive with fervent excitement. The roar of local fans resonated throughout the venue as they rallied behind their homegrown star, Wu Yanni, during the heats of the women’s 100 meters hurdles at the FISU Games. And Yanni didn’t disappoint.
Dominating the track, Yanni showcased her exceptional form by clocking in at an impressive 12.98 seconds, becoming the only athlete to breach the 13-second mark in the heats. This feat did not go unnoticed, as the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium mirrored the crowd’s admiration for her prowess.
Drawing energy from the unparalleled support, the Beijing Sport University student expressed her gratitude, “The atmosphere makes me very energetic.” But she’s not resting on her laurels. Determined, she added, “I will do my best in the semifinals as well as the final.”
It wasn’t just Yanni who made waves in the event. Representing East China Normal University, her teammate, Lin Yuwei, also secured her spot in the semifinals, finishing as the runner-up with a respectable time of 13.18 seconds.
Yanni’s journey to stardom isn’t one born overnight. Her 26th birthday coincided with the opening day of the FISU Games, marking another milestone in her blossoming career. Born in Zigong, a quaint southern Sichuan city, she embarked on her hurdles journey in the neighboring city of Neijiang. Her rise to fame gained traction when she clinched victory at the national champions race in July, delivering a performance that won her admiration from fans and peers alike.
Her achievements draw parallels with China’s athletics legend, Liu Xiang, who stunned the world by clinching the Olympic 110 meters hurdles gold in 2004. Taking a leaf out of his book, Yanni has expressed her aspirations to inspire young talents, reinforcing the importance of perseverance in sports.
To date, her personal best for the 100 meters hurdles stands at 12.87 seconds, achieved in 2021. Although she came close this year, clocking in at 12.93 seconds during the national champions race, it remains her finest performance in 2023.
While her athletic accomplishments have captivated many, some online conversations have veered towards her appearance. Addressing this, Yanni fervently hopes that her legacy centers on her credentials as a hurdler, aiming to elevate the sport’s stature in the public eye.
As the semifinals and final of the women’s 100 meters hurdles approach, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Wu Yanni. Off the track, her skyrocketing popularity is evident, with volunteers at the Games Village eager to capture moments alongside the rising star. Sharing a tidbit, she mentioned that most of the pins on her accreditation card ribbon were gifts from those wanting a photo memory with her.
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