Former World Record High Jumper Zheng Fengrong Passes Away

Zheng Fengrong, China's first female world record-breaking athlete and high jump pioneer, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. World Athletics shared its deep sorrow over the athlete's passing with the public.

Historic Achievement and Record

Zheng Fengrong managed to break the women's high jump world record with a leap of 1.77 meters in Beijing in November 1957 when she was 20 years old. With this mark, she earned the title of the first Chinese athlete to break a world record in athletics.

Pioneering Identity and Legacy

Holding the distinction of being the first Chinese woman to break a world record in any sports discipline, Zheng held this significant record for about seven months. With this success in sports history, she left an indelible mark in her country and the world.

Sports Career and Beyond

Born in Jinan, Shandong province in May 1937, Zheng Fengrong did not have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics during her career due to the conditions of the era. After ending her active sports career, she served as the vice president of the Chinese Athletics Association.

Realization of the Olympic Dream

Zheng was awarded the Olympic Silver Order by the International Olympic Committee in 1996. Her granddaughter, Zheng Ninali, competed in the heptathlon event for China at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, turning her Olympic dream from years ago into reality.