Olympic champion Gong Lijiao won the women's shot put at the 15th National Games on Sunday, claiming her fifth consecutive title of the grand event.

Gong Lijiao of Hebei reacts during the women's shot put final of athletics at China's 15th National Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

The 36-year-old, representing Hebei Province, threw 19.68 meters at her fifth attempt to secure the gold. Her teammates Zhang Linru and Ma Yue both set personal bests, with 19.47m and 19.33m respectively, to take silver and bronze.

On her final attempt, Gong intended to cap her career with a throw surpassing 20m. "But maybe due to exhaustion, I didn't make it. Still, winning the gold is sufficient proof of all my efforts," she said.

"This year, I experienced the lowest point of my life, including the passing of my mother," Gong said with tears. "The first thought when I won the gold was that I hope she could see it. Mom, I did it. I achieved the fifth win."

Gong won her first National Games title in 2009 in Jinan, Shandong Province, and captured Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021. Now, with far more experience, she admitted to having more on her mind, but said she has remained confident.

"This is my fifth National Games, and I've won all the previous four. Now I have a perfect conclusion here," said Gong.

She hugged and shook hands with fellow competitors after the win. Acknowledging the potential end of her career, she said, "This might be my last competition. I told each of them during the hug that I might be leaving, and I want to leave everything I have on the field."

Gong also spoke passionately about the legacy she wishes to leave for the next generation.

"It's the power of perseverance. You keep going because of love," she said, hoping to inspire others in the sport. "I want to use my own passion to ensure that Chinese women's shot put remains a force on the world stage. After I retire, I hope the next generation can carry the torch forward."

Hailing from Hebei, a province with a strong tradition in shot put, Gong hopes to see more young talents emerge to uphold its glory. "I hope they continue to work hard, and most importantly, stay true to their passion."