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China's Hong Li Sets New Asian Championship Record
China's long distance walker, Hong Li, set a new Asian championship record in the 10 kilometre walk at the Asian Athletic Championships in Jakarta Wednesday.
"I feel happy and relaxed," said Hong Li shortly after passing the finish line almost one minute faster than the record set by her compatriot Feng Haixia in Jakarta five years ago.
The 21-year-old athlete's reaction to her achievement, however, was surprisingly low key.
She said that she had clocked a better time -- 43:13 -- at the Chinese national championship than the 44:59.90 set here.
Her victory here, she said, could not offset her disappointment at not being able to represent her country at this year's Sydney Olympics.
"I am disappointed, because I cannot join the Olympics. I was injured during the Olympics qualifications in my country," the athlete said through an interpreter.
The women's 10 kilometre walk, featuring six contestants, was the first event of the day on the third day of the championships.
Hong Li's fellow Chinese athlete Chunfang Sun -- who also broke Feng's old record by a few seconds at 45:42.68 -- was placed second.
In third place was Malaysia's Yu Fang Yuan in 46:12.66. (Chinadaily)
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