U20 Athletics Worlds: Chien Tzu-chieh races world's best, smashes 3000m national U20 record

Taiwanese middle-distance runner Chien Tzu-chieh continues to impress on the international stage, smashing his own national U20 record in the men's 3000 meters at the World U20 Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Chien clocked a personal best of 7 minutes, 51.18 seconds to secure sixth place in the final.

This remarkable performance not only established a new benchmark for Taiwanese U20 athletes in the event but also placed him second among Asian competitors. The race saw Kenya's Emmanuel Kiprono take gold with a dominant 7:28.28, followed by France's Aloïs Abraham (7:47.49) and Japan's Ojiro Honda (7:48.49) who claimed silver and bronze respectively.

The 19-year-old Chien, considered a rising star in Taiwanese middle-distance running, has been on a record-breaking spree. He holds national U20 records in the 1500m (3:41.88) and 5000m (13:42.38). Earlier this year, he set the previous U20 3000m national record at 8:00.42 during the Asian U20 Championships.

Chien is also competing in the 1500 meters at the championships, having advanced from the preliminary heats. He aims to challenge his own national record of 3:41.88 in the upcoming final. This event is also part of his preparation for the Asian Games in Hangzhou.