SHENZHEN, China - Black, thin and shy smile. It was the impression for China's Su Bingtian, who just gained a glory for his country.
As a student of Jinan University, he earned a bronze medal at the men's 100-meter race at the 26th Shenzhen Summer Universiade here on Wednesday.
Su Bingtian poses on the podium with his bronze medal of the men's 100 meters race at the 26th Universiade in Shenzhen August 17, 2011.
The newly crowned Asian champion felt quite happy, as it was the first athletics medal for the Chinese delegation.
After clinching the 100m title in 10.21 seconds at the Asian athletics championships in Kobe, Japan last month, Su was regarded as the new flying man in Asia.
He also won the gold of the 4 100m relay race at the Asiad last year.
"I never expected to win the bronze," said Su. "It's my first time to participate in the world competition, and I'm really happy to win glory for China," he said.
The medal was really out of his expectation because his leg still hurt.
"I was quite confident after the victory in Japan, but when I came back to Beijing, I got injured in my leg during the training," said Su.
"I felt it a heavy burden on my shoulders and even planned to give up the Universiade, but my coach encouraged me. He told me not to worry and just take it as intensive training."
"Actually, I was very worried that the injury would affect my performance today," said Su, "but in the second round of the semifinal, I felt easier and gradually found my form."
"When I was running at the final, the cheers from the crowd ignited my passion," Su said excitedly. "Feeling the hurt was not a load any more, I ran without any worry and finally I did it."
Speaking of his campus life, Su smiled and said it was simple. "As a student player, I always train in the day and have cultural class at night."
Su Bingtian picks questions from the press on track after winning bronze of the men's 100 meters race at the 26th Universiade in Shenzhen August 17, 2011. [Photo/asianewsphoto]
He told the press a secret that before the race started, Hu Kai, another famous sprinter in China, came to cheer for Su.
"I was much appreciated that he came all the way here from Beijing to encourage me. His support boosted my confidence."
"I want to break the national record of 10.17 in two years," Su said with resolution and confidence.
