China's dedication to the world of running is surprisingly strong. In Olympic track events, numerous Chinese runners are famed throughout the country for their pure ability, work ethic and winning records. Both male and female runners have gained attention for their finishing in short, middle- and long-distance events.
Qu Yunxia
Qu Yunxia is famous in China for her prowess in 1500 meters, taking the bronze medal in this middle-distance event at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Outside of the Olympics, Qu is also famous for setting a world record in the same event with a time of 3:50.46 in Beijing the following year and for taking the gold medal in the 3000-meter event at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
Wang Junxia
Wang Junxia is a famous long-distance runner in China most notable for her exploits during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Wang beat her competitors in Atlanta in the 5000-meter event to take the gold medal and just missed in the 10,000-meter event to take the silver. Outside of the Olympics, Wang held a world record during 1993 as a marathoner with a time of 2:24:07. Additionally, Wang ran the 1500- and 3000-meter events and took the gold medal in the 10,000-meter event at the 1993 World Championships.
Liu Xiang
Liu Xiang, a short-distance specialist, is famed throughout China for his multiple titles in the 110-meter hurdle event. At the 2004 Summer Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, Liu left the competition behind to take home the gold and in doing so tied the world record of 12.91 seconds. Other exceptional finishes include the gold medal in the same event during the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, as well as the gold medal in the 60-meter hurdle event during the 2008 World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain.
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