Rising Chinese high jump star, Shao Yuqi, has gone viral for her athletic performance and striking appearance.
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The athlete has also attracted attention and praise for challenging traditional beauty stereotypes in sport.
On August 1, Shao, 23, from the Hubei provincial track and field team based in central China, claimed the women’s high jump title at the 2025 Chinese National Athletics Championships with a leap of 1.90 metres.
Following her victory, Shao went viral on mainland social media for both her performance and her striking looks.
One of her videos on social media showcasing the competition got more than 3 million likes.
Shao was introduced to the high jump at primary school, where her athletic potential was quickly recognised after she effortlessly cleared a one-metre bar during a tryout.
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“There were so many stereotypes in primary school. People assumed that if I went into sports, I would waste my life, maybe end up at a sports school at best,” Shao told Jiupai News.