IN a breathtaking display of talent and speed, 12-year-old Han Xin captured the spotlight at the 11th Shenzhen Sports Games on Tuesday by smashing the Shenzhen U12 boys’ 100-meter record not once but twice, according to Shenzhen Evening News.

The unforgettable day started with Han setting a new record of 11.50 seconds during the preliminaries, surpassing his own previous record of 12.26 seconds from last year. Yet, the young prodigy didn’t stop there. In the afternoon final, he pushed further, shaving off an additional 0.02 seconds to set a new record that ignited the crowd with excitement.

Exhibiting the agility and determination of a seasoned athlete, Han first gained recognition at the Guangdong Elementary School Athletics Championships in June when he clinched the provincial title with a time of 11.63 seconds, earning him the moniker “Young Su Bingtian” from online admirers. The best record for Su, Asia’s fastest man, was 11.72 seconds when he was 15 years old.

Han’s meteoric rise began at the Zhiyuan Experimental School in Luohu District under the guidance of coach Li Zhi. His innate talent and unwavering commitment swiftly propelled him to success in district and city-level competitions. Despite the mounting fame and comparisons to sprinting sensation Su, Han remains steadfast in his dedication to training.

After the final race, Han displayed modesty, stating, “I prioritize stability and safety above all.” His next goals include competing in more events at the ongoing city games, such as the 60 meters, 4x100m relay, 4x400-meter relay, and 4x200-meter mixed relay.

Coach Li stressed the significance of humility, reminding Han that winning a gold medal is an honor, but true excellence demands starting afresh after every victory.

Amidst the accolades, Yin Hanzhao, head of the Shenzhen Athletics Team, remarked, “Han is undoubtedly a rare sprinting talent. However, given his young age, he requires comprehensive support in both training and mindset.”

Beyond the track, Han remains a dedicated student focused on academic improvement. After school and on weekends, he diligently trains on the school track. Instead of viewing the strenuous training with the athletic team as a burden, he finds joy in the process.

“Athletes like Su Bingtian and Xie Zhenye reached the international stage through gradual progress. We hope Han follows in their footsteps,” Han’s coach said.

The next challenge for the young prodigy is the 2024 Guangdong Provincial Youth Athletics Championships that will take place in Qingyuan from July 21 to 26. Han will compete in the U14 category, challenging older competitors within his age group.

(Windy Shao)