Chinese competitors shine in kids world championship

Chinese competitors once again delivered standout performances as the 2025 Spartan Kids World Championships returned to Genting Ski Park in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province for the second year in a row, drawing more than 240 elite young athletes from 12 countries and regions.

The Chinese secured six championship titles across different categories, extending their streak of podium finishes to a fourth consecutive year.

One of the biggest highlights came from 12-year-old Zheng Liqian, who successfully defended his title after moving up an age group. Having won the boys' 9-11 division in 2024, Liqian triumphed in the 11-12 category this year, becoming the first Chinese athlete to claim back-to-back Spartan Kids World Championship titles.

Liqian faced a tough battle early in the race against teammate Wang Zizheng, with the two pushing each other for the lead.

"The course was challenging, especially the first big uphill, which required a lot of effort," Liqian said. "But after clearing that, the obstacles felt smoother."

The championship introduced refined age divisions for athletes aged 7 to 14 this year, with younger participants tackling a 4.7-kilometer course and 22 obstacles, while older groups faced a 5.7 km track with 31 obstacles.

China also celebrated victory in the girls' 11-12 division, where Ban Qiaoqiao claimed the title after finishing runner-up last year. Qiaoqiao, who spent the past year improving her endurance and obstacle skills through targeted training, overtook her rivals midway through a steep climb and held on to win in 50:51.

"This was the toughest Spartan course I've ever run, but my training helped me persevere to the end," she said.

Inspired by the news that obstacle racing will debut as part of the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she added, "this gold medal gives me greater confidence. I hope to one day compete at the Olympics and win glory for my country".

Alongside the elite championship, a regular Spartan Kids Race brought together more than 3,000 young participants from across China, who tested their limits on the high-altitude mountain course and celebrated personal achievements.

With the Chongli event concluded, the 2025 Spartan Race season now enters its second half. Upcoming events will bring both adult and kids' competitions to cities including Sichuan's Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang's Hangzhou, as the global fitness phenomenon continues to grow in China.