Chinese long jumpers leap to history

Updated: 2015-08-26 10:19

(Xinhua)

Wang Jianan competes in the men's long jump final during the Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium, August 25, 2015. [Photo/IC] Wang Jianan, 19 Awards: Bronze medal 2015 IAAF Beijing World Championships Bronze medal 2015 IAAF Shanghai Diamond League Gold medal  2014 IAAF World Youth Championship

BEIJING -- Chinese teenager Wang Jianan pulled off China's first ever world long jump medal at Beijing athletics world championships on Tuesday.

Wang, turning 19 on Thursday, took a bronze medal with a leap of 8.18 meters, creating China's best performance in the men's long jump at world championships.

"I did not realize it will be my birthday until yesterday. I have been concentrated on training for the world championships. I was quite steady today," said Wang.

Wang emerged as the surprise medalist in the Chinese team as 2014 world indoor silver medalist Li Jinzhe had spearheaded China's charge in the event. Li had to settle for the fifth place with 8.10 after teammate Gao Xinglong with 8.14.

"I used 90 percent of my energy on my first attempt but it went bad. It was a blow to me," said Li, who only recorded 7.69 in his first attempt. "I don't know what happened. Maybe it is fate that I can't win a medal."

Britain's Olympic and European champion Greg Rutherford won his first long jump world title in five world championships after he established an almost unbeatable lead in his fourth attempt with 8.41.