GUANGZHOU, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) — Olympic champion Gong Lijiao gained the ladies’s shot put on the fifteenth National Games right here on Sunday, claiming her fifth consecutive title of the grand occasion.
The 36-year-old, representing Hebei Province, threw 19.68 meters at her fifth try to safe the gold. Her teammates Zhang Linru and Ma Yue each set private bests, with 19.47m and 19.33m respectively, to take silver and bronze.
On her ultimate try, Gong meant to cap her profession with a throw surpassing 20m. “But maybe due to exhaustion, I didn’t make it. Still, winning the gold is sufficient proof of all my efforts,” she mentioned.
“This year, I experienced the lowest point of my life, including the passing of my mother,” Gong mentioned with tears. “The first thought when I won the gold was that I hope she could see it. Mom, I did it. I achieved the fifth win.”
Gong gained her first National Games title in 2009 in Jinan, Shandong Province, and captured Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021. Now, with much more expertise, she admitted to having extra on her thoughts, however mentioned she has remained assured.
“This is my fifth National Games, and I’ve won all the previous four. Now I have a perfect conclusion here,” mentioned Gong.
She hugged and shook palms with fellow rivals after the win. Acknowledging the potential finish of her profession, she mentioned, “This might be my last competition. I told each of them during the hug that I might be leaving, and I want to leave everything I have on the field.”
Gong additionally spoke passionately concerning the legacy she needs to depart for the following era.
“It’s the power of perseverance. You keep going because of love,” she mentioned, hoping to encourage others within the sport. “I want to use my own passion to ensure that Chinese women’s shot put remains a force on the world stage. After I retire, I hope the next generation can carry the torch forward.”
Hailing from Hebei, a province with a robust custom in shot put, Gong hopes to see extra younger skills emerge to uphold its glory. “I hope they continue to work hard, and most importantly, stay true to their passion.”