GUANGZHOU – In a display of remarkable precision and dominance, Olympic champion Liu Yukun rewrote the record books on October 17, 2025, clinching his second gold medal at the 15th National Games by obliterating his own world record in the men’s 50m rifle three positions event. The 28-year-old marksman from Shaanxi province fired an astonishing 470.1 points in the final, surpassing the 468.9 mark he set at the Baku World Cup in May 2024.
This monumental achievement not only underscores Liu’s supremacy in the sport but also highlights the intensely competitive nature of the 15th National Games, which are currently underway and showcasing a high caliber of athletic talent. The Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from November 9 to 21, 2025, are a significant national multi-sport event, drawing elite athletes from across China.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Liu Yukun’s journey to his second gold at the Games was characterized by unwavering focus. He led the qualification round with a strong 595 points and carried that momentum into the final. Building a 1.7-point lead after the kneeling stage, Liu never relinquished control, delivering a performance that left his rivals trailing. He ultimately finished a commanding 6.7 points ahead of Zhao Wenyu of Tianjin, who secured the silver medal, while Du Linshu of Hebei claimed the bronze.
“Winning or losing wasn’t that important to me,” Liu remarked after his victory. “I had only one goal – to beat the world record and push the mark beyond 470.” He reflected on his Paris Olympics performance, where he won gold with a score of 463.6, admitting, “At the Paris Olympics, I was already aiming to break it, but I was too nervous at the time. I couldn’t accomplish it back then, so this feels like making up for that regret.”
Liu, however, remained grounded despite his historic feat, describing his performance as “mediocre.” He revealed that he had previously scored 474 points in training, hinting at even greater potential. This perspective suggests a relentless pursuit of perfection that has become a hallmark of his career.
A Star-Studded Field and Broader Games Context
The final itself was a testament to the elite level of Chinese shooting. It featured a formidable lineup of Olympic champions, including Tokyo 2020 gold medalists Yang Haoran and Zhang Changhong. Notably, Paris 2024 winner Sheng Lihao, who had finished 10th in qualification, did not advance to the final. The competition also saw Liu’s teammate Li Muyuan narrowly miss out on a podium finish, coming in just 0.6 points shy.
The 15th National Games are more than just a platform for individual brilliance; they are a crucial event for athletes to showcase their prowess and for the nation to gauge its sporting development. The Games encompass a wide array of sports, from traditional Olympic disciplines to those with regional significance, making it a comprehensive snapshot of China’s athletic happenings.
Liu Yukun’s Ascent
This record-breaking performance at the National Games follows a stellar career for Liu Yukun. His Olympic gold medal from Paris added to his growing legacy. His victory in the men’s 10m air rifle team event earlier in the week at these Games demonstrated his versatility and contribution to team success. The shooting events at these National Games have been particularly trending, with multiple top athletes competing.
The significance of Liu’s achievement extends beyond the score. It represents a personal milestone, overcoming the perceived pressure of Olympic glory to deliver an even more remarkable performance on the domestic stage. His dedication and consistent improvement are an inspiration, solidifying his status as a true icon in Chinese sports.
As the 15th National Games continue, Liu Yukun’s world record stands as an early highlight, offering an exclusive glimpse into the extraordinary capabilities of China’s top athletes and setting a high bar for future competitions.
