In the shadows of the French Alps on August 28, Chinese runner Yao Miao crossed the UTMB OCC (Orsieres-Champex-Chamonix) finish line after 55km of grueling trail, originally placing second behind Kenya's Joyline Chepngeno.
But on September 7, the Athletics Integrity Unit ruled Chepngeno out for doping, catapulting Yao to champion status – her second straight win at the foot of Mont Blanc! 🏆 ⛰️
Combined with her 2018 victory in the CCC (100km category), the 28-year-old from the mountains of Guizhou in the Chinese mainland became the first Asian athlete to clinch three UTMB titles across different events.
Yao's journey reads like an epic adventure. Born and raised among Guizhou's towering peaks, she once dreamed of escaping rural life – but those same mountains shaped her destiny! Initially turning away from track after failing to join the provincial team, she discovered a love for trail running that earned her the nickname China's Queen of Trail Running.
In 2019, injuries and health challenges pushed her onto road marathons. Yet the trails kept calling. With a new team focused on science-based training, Yao learned to balance her fierce competitive spirit with the joy of running. Today, she not only chases victory but also the pure thrill of each stride. 🏃♀️💪
As Yao Miao stands atop the podium once more, she proves that with grit, passion, and a little mountain magic, anything is possible. Keep an eye on this trailblazer – her next chapter is bound to be an unforgettable run! 🌟
Reference(s):
From mountains to podiums, Yao Miao's tale of trail running triumph
cgtn.com
