Athletics: Qu Junxia set to retire

Monday 02 June 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Qu Junxia, the world 1500 metres record holder, finished 10th in the Chinese national championships in Beijing and said afterwards she will retire.

"I'm finished. Injuries and illness have bothered me a lot these years. It will be my last year on the track. Next season I'll be an assistant coach," the 27-year-old said after finishing in 4min 48.25sec, almost one minute slower than her personal best.

Other former members of the "Ma Family Army," the team once coached by Ma Junren, also showed poorly or not at all. Wang Junxia, the Olympic 5,000m champion, pulled out owing to poor health, while Liu Dong, a former world 1500m champion, was sixth in 4:29.34.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in