Ningbo triathlete Lin Xinyu makes history at Paris Olympics

Lin Xinyu, an athlete from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, etched her name in history by claiming the 28th spot in the women's triathlon event at the Olympics on July 31, setting a new record for Chinese athletes in this challenging Olympic discipline.

The triathlon at the Olympics is a demanding test of endurance and versatility, encompassing a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run. There are no preliminary rounds in this event, heightening the stakes.

Lin, born in 2002, is the lone Chinese representative in the women's triathlon event at this year's Olympics and the event's second-youngest competitor.

Lin ranked 28th among the 51 athletes who completed the challenging course, with a total time of 2:00:50, marking a significant achievement for Chinese triathletes on the Olympic stage. Prior to this, the best Olympic performance by a Chinese female triathlete was Wang Dan's 32nd place finish at the Sydney Olympics.

French competitor Cassandre Beaugrand clinched the gold medal with an impressive time of 1:54:55. Following closely behind, Swiss athlete Julie Derron claimed the silver in 1:55:01, while British contender Beth Potter secured the bronze with a time of 1:55:10.

Starting her athletic journey in swimming, Lin transitioned to triathlon training in 2017. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she earned a spot on the national team in 2019. Last year, at the 19th Asian Games triathlon event in Hangzhou, she secured the silver medal in the women's individual race, showcasing her talent and determination in the sport.