Experienced Chinese sprinter Se Zhenye expressed confidence that the country's young athletes possess the potential for outstanding performances on the international stage. Discussing the development of Asian sprinting and his future plans, the 33-year-old athlete gave an interview to CGTN Sports Scene's Jiang Mengxi after helping China win the 4x100m relay title at the Asia Games in Haiti-Nagoya in 2026.
Se Zhenye ran the final leg, allowing China to finish with a time of 38.17 seconds, retaining the championship title. He admitted that he felt significant pressure finishing the race after three of his teammates had put China in a strong position for victory. 'The first three runners did an excellent job, and I didn't want anything to go wrong on my leg,' said Se. 'When I crossed the finish line, I thought: 'I did it, and we did it.' '
The 100-meter runner's Asia Games champion in Hangzhou noted that maintaining competitiveness becomes harder with age and accumulated injuries. He emphasized that staying at a high level has been possible thanks to scientific training and team support.
Se is particularly enthusiastic about the younger generation in China, as the number of sprinters demonstrating great prospects and approaching the 10-second barrier is growing. 'If you compare them at the same career stage, they are much better than Su Bingtian and me,' he shared his opinion. 'I believe Chinese sprinting will become increasingly competitive in the future, and we will see more Asian faces in the finals on the world stage.'
Se's next major goal is the World Athletics Championships in Beijing in 2027, which will take place 12 years after the Chinese capital hosted the event. 'I am very excited,' he added. 'I sincerely hope to compete again at the World Championships in Beijing and achieve an even better result for China.'