Chen Wen-pu Sprints to Asian Games Qualification on Final Chance

Taiwanese sprinter Chen Wen-pu achieved a crucial personal best, clocking 10.18 seconds in the 100-meter final at the New Taipei City International Athletics Open. This performance secured his qualification for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, marking the final opportunity to meet the standard. Chen's relief was palpable as he celebrated crossing the finish line, having anxiously watched the scoreboard.

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At that moment, I was very afraid the time would change to 10.21 seconds.

"At that moment, I was very afraid the time would change to 10.21 seconds," Chen admitted, recalling his internal plea for the displayed time not to be revised. He explained that a previous result of 10.26 seconds in the Singapore Open had left him just 0.06 seconds short of the Asian Games qualifying mark. The fear of narrowly missing the mark again weighed heavily on him.

Chen, 26, acknowledged that while the 10.18-second performance is a significant step, it is not yet sufficient for medal contention at the Asian Games. He identified areas for improvement, particularly in the transition from the start to the mid-race phase. "There are many areas that need correction," he stated, emphasizing that completing the qualification task was his immediate priority.

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If it came out as 10.21, it would be another second off, and I would have been really frustrated, but seeing 10.18 felt like finally completing it.

He also noted the withdrawal of fellow sprinter Yang Chun-han from a subsequent 400m relay due to an issue during the race. Chen expressed concern about the relay team's performance without Yang, as they had been close to setting a national record. Chen plans to compete in the Asian Athletics Relay Championships in two weeks and will continue to refine his technique, focusing on both speed and smoother baton exchanges.

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Of course, a time of 10.18 seconds is not good enough for the Asian Games yet, and there are many areas that need correction.