Yan Ziyi, a 15-year-old javelin thrower from Ningbo, competes at the National Athletics Grand Prix in Hangzhou. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Yan Ziyi, a young javelin thrower from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, made headlines in the second leg of the recent National Athletics Grand Prix.

The competition was held at the Hangzhou Huanglong Sports Center, where Yan participated in women's javelin and achieved a throw of 64.28 meters. This remarkable feat positioned her as the leading athlete in the national rankings.

What makes her achievement even more remarkable is her age. Born in May, 2008, she hasn't yet turned 16, making her one of the youngest participants in the competition. Despite her youth, Yan has been making waves in the athletics world since her debut in the adult category earlier this year.

Yan showcased her talent and potential in the Hangzhou leg of the National Athletics Grand Prix, delivering a series of impressive throws.

In her first attempt, she achieved a throw of 60.83 meters, securing second place among all participants. Her closest competitor, Dai Qianqian, managed a throw of 61 meters, temporarily taking the top spot, while veteran athlete Lyu Huihui trailed behind at 59.02 meters. However, it was Yan's final attempt that stole the show, as she soared to new heights with a throw of 64.28 meters, setting a new personal best and shattering the women's U20 world youth record.

Yan's achievement is particularly significant in the context of Olympic qualification standards. According to the criteria set for the Paris Olympics, athletes reaching the A-standard mark of 64 meters in the javelin event secure a direct qualification. Yan is the first female Chinese javelin thrower to achieve this standard, joining the ranks of only seven female javelin throwers worldwide to do so. But her age may present a challenge to her participation in the Paris Olympics.