RACEWALKER Liu Hong, a Shenzhen athlete, cruised to a 3:59:15 victory in the 50-km event at the Chinese Race Walk Grand Prix on Saturday in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, shaving 5 minutes and 21 seconds off the former world record, the Shenzhen Evening News reported yesterday.

She also became the first woman to break the 4-hour barrier in a 50-km event, according to the report.

After the race, Liu said that her original goal was to finish in the top three, but she constantly adjusted her strategy based on the situation during the race. She ultimately seized the opportunity to break the 4-hour barrier.

“This is my first time participating in a 50-km event. In fact, I am not as strong as some athletes. It is probably because I am more relaxed,” said Liu.

After this, Liu will join the national sports team to prepare for the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, the report said. However, Liu said that there isn’t a 50-km event in the Olympic Games so she will focus on the training for the 20-km event. In May, Liu will compete in a 20-km event to qualify for the championship.

The 31-year-old Liu has also held the women’s 20-km world record since 2015. After the 2016 Summer Olympics, Liu got married and became a mother. She returned to the field this January and has already won two 20-km events held in January and February.

“I started my recovery training not long after I stopped breast-feeding my daughter when she was 6 months old. This is my third competition this year. Every time, my husband and my daughter are there to give me support, which is also a good way for me to relax as you become more nervous if your mind is too focused on one thing,” said Liu.

(Wang Jingli)