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05/19/2024 10:10:29 pm

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Barefoot Runner Zhang Yingying Finally Wins Gold in Women’s Half Marathon at World University Games

Zhang Yingying

(Photo : Getty Images) Zhang Yingying wins bronze in the women's 10,000 meter marathon barefoot

China's Zhang Yingying captured her second medal at the World University Games, winning the women's half marathon on Sunday, four days after finishing third in the women's 10,000 meter barefoot.

After pulling off such a gutsy feat in last Wednesday's marathon, Zhang decided she won't be leaving South Korea without winning a gold medal, as the Universiade's sensation came through with another gallant performance by overtaking Japanese runners to cross the finish line first in one hour, 15 minutes and 6 seconds.

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Japan's Nanako Kanno and Ayumi Uehara occupied second and third place by clocking 1:15:24 and 1:15:35, respectively.

"Reading the startlist, it's quite clear that the Japanese were aiming at the team title. They are much stronger overall than the other teams, so I told myself to catch up with them and try to match my person best," Zhang said of her Japanese rivals via China Daily.

While winning the gold capped off an impressive haul for Zhang at the Universiade, the Tianjin Normal University graduate said the bronze medal he won in last week's marathon shines a little bit brighter for her since it thought her to stay strong in the midst of difficult circumstances.

"The bronze from 10,000m is the most important medal of my life. I think I will not be afraid of any difficulty in the future," Zhang told reporters via Daily Mail.

"The team doctor has been taking care of my foot injury and the wounds have almost healed, so I decided to take part in the half marathon as planned," said Zhang. "The doctor suggested to attach a bondage to the foot, but I refused for the sake of discomfort in race."


"Reading the startlist, it's quite clear that the Japanese were aiming at the team title. They are much stronger overall than the other teams, so I told myself to catch up with them and try to match my person best," said Zhang.

Zhang made an imprint in this edition of the World University Games after winning the bronze despite running on a bloody foot. The Chinese had to cover the remaining 5,000 meters of the marathon with just one shoe on after a trailer stepped on the heel of her sneaker at the halfway mark of the race.

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