Liu Xiajun, a 20-year-old sprint athlete from China’s national team, has made headlines by gaining admission to the prestigious Peking University. Often referred to as the “track and field sweet sister,” she is celebrated not only for her athletic skills but also for her dedication to her studies.
Liu’s journey began in Ziyang, a city in Sichuan province. There, she set a record in the 100m sprint in 2018. Since then, training has dominated her life. However, this commitment comes with sacrifices, especially academically. Liu’s scores in the national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao, were lower than many of her peers who focus solely on academics.
Last year, she was offered a spot at Fudan University, another top school in China, but chose to decline it. After discussing her options with her family, Liu decided to spend an additional year improving her exam scores. She aimed for Peking University, which has a higher reputation than Fudan. To secure her spot, she needed at least 460 out of 750 on the gaokao.
This balancing act of sports and academics isn’t unique to Liu. Many young athletes in China face similar challenges. In a survey by the Chinese Ministry of Education, over 70% of student-athletes reported feeling pressure to succeed in both arenas. Experts suggest that finding this balance is crucial for their long-term success, both on and off the field.
Athletes like Liu play a vital role in inspiring younger generations. They show that hard work can lead to incredible opportunities. Social media buzz around Liu reflects this admiration, with many fans sharing their support using hashtags like #AthleteScholar.
Being successful in both sports and academics takes resilience and discipline. Liu’s story reminds us that dedication can open doors, not just in athletics but also in education and beyond.
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