Xie's sprint dreams won't be dashed

Xie, though, is expecting China's next generation of sprinters to overtake his and Su's feats, especially with the nation funding more comprehensive and scientific training methods.

"I think, for the younger generation of athletes who now look up to our Asian records, our achievements are encouraging for them. They now enjoy much better training and competition environments, with better support mechanisms in place," said Xie.

"I think it's a certainty that they will produce better and better results in the future. They should cherish all these opportunities. The best way to honor the older generation of athletes like us is to surpass us and set new records."

With China's elite athletes flourishing, Xie hopes that can have a knock-on effect for participation rates among the general public.

"Athletics is the most grassroots sport of all, in my opinion. It is a foundation sport and anyone can be involved in it. Track and field events are very easy to join, and people can practice most of them without complicated training or expensive gear," Xie added.

"So, with the country promoting the national fitness campaign, I think athletics events are a good choice for people－just look at how marathon running has been growing fast in China recently."