1 Gold & 2 Silver! Shenzhen Athletes Shine at National Race Walking Championships
On July 5, 2025, the National Race Walking Championships took place in Tai’an, Shandong, attracting top-tier athletes from across China. Among them, Shenzhen-born competitors delivered outstanding performances, securing one gold and two silver medals in the 20km race walking events.
This championship not only showcased the athletes’ endurance and technique but also highlighted Shenzhen’s growing influence in Chinese athletics. Below, we break down the key highlights and explore what makes these athletes stand out.
Shenzhen’s Rising Star: Zhang Lingfen Claims Gold
The women’s 20km race walk was dominated by Zhang Lingfen, a Shenzhen-born athlete currently representing Guangdong Province. From the start, Zhang set a fierce pace, quickly distancing herself from the competition. Her consistent rhythm and strong endurance allowed her to maintain the lead throughout the race, finishing in 1:34:32—a remarkable achievement that earned her the gold medal.
In my experience covering race walking events, what sets Zhang apart is her discipline and adaptability. Unlike sprinters, race walkers must balance speed with technique, ensuring they never break into a run. Zhang’s ability to sustain a high pace without disqualification speaks volumes about her training under the Guangdong provincial team.
Her victory is a testament to Shenzhen’s athlete development programs, which have been nurturing young talents through rigorous coaching and international exposure.
Liu Hong: A Legend’s Silver Medal & Lasting Legacy
Liu Hong, a Shenzhen sports icon and Olympic champion, proved once again why she remains one of China’s greatest race walkers. At 38, she secured silver with a time of 1:35:10, just 38 seconds behind Zhang Lingfen.
Liu’s performance was a masterclass in race strategy and mental toughness. Having competed at the highest level for over a decade, she understands how to pace herself against younger rivals. When I watched her race, I noticed how she conserved energy in the first 10km before pushing hard in the final stretch—a tactic that has served her well in past Olympics.
What makes Liu Hong special is her enduring passion for the sport. Many athletes retire after their peak years, but Liu continues to inspire younger athletes like Zhang Lingfen. Her presence in the race adds prestige to the event and motivates the next generation.
Tang Yushuai: Shenzhen’s Dark Horse in Men’s Race Walking
The men’s 20km race walk saw another Shenzhen athlete, Tang Yushuai, surprise the field with a silver medal finish (1:25:44). What’s impressive is that Tang only began serious training in 2022 under the Shenzhen-Guangdong joint race walking program.
His rapid rise is a fascinating case study in athletic development. Unlike many competitors who start young, Tang transitioned into professional race walking in his early 20s. His coach emphasized strength endurance and stride efficiency, which clearly paid off in this race.
From my observations, Tang’s late-bloomer success proves that talent + structured training can yield quick results. His next challenge will be closing the gap with China’s top male walkers, but his potential is undeniable.
Why Shenzhen Is Becoming a Race Walking Powerhouse
Shenzhen might be better known for its tech industry, but its investment in sports is producing champions. Key factors behind its success:
- Government & Private Sector Support – Programs like the Shenzhen-Guangdong training collaboration provide athletes with world-class facilities.
- Strong Coaching System – Many of China’s top race walking coaches are based in Guangdong.
- Legacy of Champions – Liu Hong’s career has inspired a new wave of athletes.
When I visited Shenzhen’s sports academies, I was impressed by the scientific training methods—everything from biomechanics analysis to nutrition planning is optimized for performance.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Shenzhen’s Athletes?
The 2025 National Race Walking Championships confirmed that Shenzhen is a rising force in Chinese athletics. With Zhang Lingfen (gold), Liu Hong (silver), and Tang Yushuai (silver) leading the way, the future looks bright.
For fans and aspiring athletes, here are my key takeaways:
- Race walking is highly technical—training smart matters as much as training hard.
- Age is just a number—Liu Hong proves that experience can compete with youth.
- Shenzhen’s system works—its athletes are now consistent podium contenders.
As we look ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, don’t be surprised if Shenzhen’s walkers are in medal contention once again!
What do you think of Shenzhen’s race walking success? Let us know in the comments! 🚶♂️🏅
