appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Stephy Zhang

Javelin star Yan Ziyi’s sweet tooth almost cost her a place in the history books in Brussels on Sunday, as it was she joined a very select group of Chinese athletes.
The 18-year-old said she ate so many desserts during lunch that she made herself sick, but it still wasn’t enough to stop her from becoming the youngest female champion in Diamond League Final history, beating Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi.
Yan won the women’s javelin gold with a meeting record throw of 68.42 metres to end the season undefeated over five events and earn her first Diamond League trophy.
Victory made the teenager just the fourth Chinese athlete to win a Diamond League Final title, following shot putter Gong Lijiao, javelin specialist Lu Huihui and discus star Feng Bin.
The path to success was not smooth, however, with the tasty treats causing a rare dip in form during the final. She fouled on her first and third attempts while registering a modest 62.21m on her second throw – far below her usual standard.
She recovered on her fourth attempt with a 64.95m throw to move into first place, before sealing the win with 68.42m. Japan’s Kitaguchi finished second with a season-best 65.44m on her final attempt.

Addressing her shaky start after the event, Yan revealed that eating too many desserts at lunch had caused nausea and physical discomfort.
“I was completely out of form,” Yan said. “Fortunately, my coach gave me the greatest support and encouragement immediately, helping me quickly adjust to regain my rhythm.”
She said these setbacks actually proved to be a valuable experience. “This is my first true world major title, and my journey in senior world-level competition really begins today,” she added.
Yan noted that she would prepare more thoroughly for future events, while adding with a laugh: “Javelin is a highly technical event, and state of form cannot always be online. If I perform poorly in the future, I hope everyone won’t criticise me too harshly.”
In a single season, Yan has established herself as a dominant force in international women’s javelin. Following this victory, she is scheduled to compete in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship before heading to the Asian Games, which starts on September 19.
Born in 2008, Yan turned 18 in May and was then allowed to compete at top-tier World Athletics competitions. She won all four Diamond League events she entered this season – Xiamen, Oslo, Paris and Monaco – recording winning throws above 67m in each one.
In Xiamen, she set a personal best of 71.74m, coming within 54 centimetres of Czech star Barbora Spotakova’s 18-year record of 72.28m.
Currently ranked world No 1, Yan earned the nickname “One-Throw Yan” among fans for frequently securing victory on her first attempt.
As the peak age for female javelin throwers typically ranges between 25 and 35, the teenager is just starting her career, and her Asian Games debut will be widely watched.
Her victory drew widespread praise on social media, where fans applauded her composure under pressure.
“It feels like her era has arrived,” one netizen wrote. “An 18-year-old athlete pushing through a tough start to overturn the pressure and break her limits throw after throw, the future is bright.”
Others highlighted her potential longevity while emphasising physical health. “If her peak lasts until 36, her reign could extend as long as her entire life so far,” another user noted.
“I just hope she manages her health and avoids major injuries, as there is still time before the next Olympics,” one fan said.


Josh Kerr ready for US$150,000 Ingebrigtsen battle, but Scot not planning to chase paydays

Future filled with gold for China’s teen javelin star Yan after historic Diamond League win

Zheng Fengrong, first Chinese female athlete to break world record, dies aged 89

China’s teen javelin star Yan Ziyi makes it 3 wins from 3 at Diamond League in Paris

World Athletics Championships

Yan Ziyi of China beat Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi in Diamond League final. Photo: Xinhua

Yan Ziyi finishes the Diamond League season undefeated across five events. Photo: Xinhua 

Pentathletes test American Ninja Warrior skills in Beijing as warm-up for the LA Olympics

Obstacle racing's world championships ended on Sunday at Universal Studios Beijing. Photo: Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne

Obstacle competitors have to show the skills needed on American Ninja Warrior. Photo: UIPM

UIPM president Rob Stull (right) took part in three Olympic Games in modern pentathlon. Photo: UIPM

UIPM secretary general Shiny Fang said “kids just cannot get enough” of obstacles. Photo: UIPM

Holding the event at Universal Studios Beijing has given the sport wide exposure. Photo: UIPM

Gunawan claims China Masters, beaten Lee hails ‘best day’ in Hong Kong badminton history

Jason Gunawan celebrates his moment of victory at the China Masters in Shenzhen on Sunday with the vanquished Lee Cheuk-yiu in the background. Photo: Xinhua

Lee Cheuk-yiu said he was pleased to be in a final again. Photo: AFP

Sport

China

The 18-year-old finishes ahead of Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi in final in Brussels and ends season undefeated over five events


The 18-year-old finishes ahead of Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi in final in Brussels and ends season undefeated over five events.


Future filled with gold for China’s teen javelin star Yan after historic Diamond League win

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 18-year-old finishes ahead of Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi in final in Brussels and ends season undefeated over five events

The 18-year-old finishes ahead of Paris Olympic gold medallist Haruka Kitaguchi in final in Brussels and ends season undefeated over five events