China’s Shi Yuhao soared to victory in the men’s long jump at the World Athletics Diamond League in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday. Shi secured the gold medal with a leap of 8.21 meters, showcasing his dominance on home soil.
His compatriot Shu Heng matched his personal best, jumping 8.18 meters to claim the silver medal, underscoring China’s strength in the event. Wayne Pinnock of Jamaica completed the podium with a jump of 8.10 meters.
Zhu Yaming Eyes Greater Heights
In the men’s triple jump, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Zhu Yaming added a bronze for the host nation with a leap of 16.92 meters. Despite his podium finish, Zhu expressed a desire for more. “I’m turning 31 soon, but mentally, I feel 24 or 25,” Zhu shared with reporters. “There’s still so much potential in me, and I’ll keep fighting.”
Dai Qianqian’s Personal Best
Chinese javelin thrower Dai Qianqian delivered a stellar performance, clinching silver with a personal best throw of 64.38 meters.
Record-Breaking Run by Cordell Tinch
The event also witnessed remarkable performances from international stars. American hurdler Cordell Tinch stole the spotlight in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, sprinting to an astonishing 12.87 seconds. This time not only shattered the previous meet record of 12.97 seconds, set by Chinese legend Liu Xiang in 2012, but also marked the fourth-fastest time in history.
“That’s all you dream of when you start running track, to be towards the top level,” Tinch said after his record-breaking run. “Personally, I don’t really pay attention to records. I just focus on coming out and being better than the week before. If the world record comes, great. If not, as long as I’m progressing, that’s all I can ask for.”
Duplantis Aims for New Heights
Swedish pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis continued his winning streak in China, clearing 6.11 meters to secure gold, ahead of Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, who vaulted 6.01 meters. Duplantis made an ambitious attempt to surpass his own world record by attempting 6.28 meters but was unsuccessful in three tries.
“The jump did not feel that great, and the run did not feel that great either,” Duplantis admitted. “I’m going to take another month with no competitions—just train hard and make sure I can build up to a really good, healthy, and strong season.”
Other Standout Performances
Other notable performances included Karsten Warholm of Norway winning the men’s 400m hurdles in 47.28 seconds, American Grace Stark capturing the women’s 100m hurdles title in 12.42 seconds, and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma clocking 1:56.64 to win the women’s 800m.
