Chinese sprinter Shan Jie sets new record at Asian Para Games

Shan Jie burst into tears after crossing the finish line, overwhelmed by the emotion of winning gold and breaking the Asian record in the women's 100 meters T47 at the fifth Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday.

Just days earlier, the Chinese sprinter had finished fifth in the 200m final, and she wasn't satisfied with the result. But rather than allowing the setback to undermine her confidence, Shan took a step back, refocused on her stronger event and returned to the track with renewed determination.

"The 200m isn't my main event. The 100m is," she said. "I knew I had to steady my nerves and show the level I was capable of in my main event."

Shan finally produced a performance that met her training expectations and secured the gold medal.

"I've often been hovering around the same level in training, and it was hard to break through. Finally, I was able to show what I can really do," she said.

"Standing on the podium and having the Chinese national flag draped over me is something to be really proud of. Finally, there's a record that belongs to me."

After finishing fifth in the 200m, Shan said she had initially questioned her performance. But with another race ahead, she knew she could not afford to dwell on the result.

"I told myself that the race was over and there were still more events to come. I needed to adjust my mindset and handle the next competition properly," she said.

Her coach had urged her to focus on what she could control in the 100m, from the start and the transition into her running rhythm to the finer technical details.

"Before a race, I focus most on finding my rhythm. This time, I got it right, so I am pleased," she said. "Everything came together better from the start, and I ran a slightly faster time. The weather was good too, and the tailwind gave me an extra push."

The ability to recover from setbacks shows how athletics has changed her approach to life, Shan said.

"Through sport, I've learned not to fear losing or facing difficulties and to preserve to the very end," she said.

She also credited her coach and teammates for helping her persevere through difficult training sessions and moments of self-doubt.

"When you feel you can't keep going, your teammates cheer you on. Sometimes, when you're struggling to run, they come over and help you," she said.