Kinmen's Lin Yu-hsin Wins Double Gold and Smashes Record in 2000m Steeplechase at National Games
Lin Yu-hsin from Kinmen Lieyu Junior High School secured gold medals in the 1500m and 2000m steeplechase at this year's National Middle School Athletic Games, breaking the national record in the latter event. He credits his success to maintaining a broad vision and competing nationally to build resilience.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 19:38
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- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 22:23 (2h 21m after Collected)
Lin Yu-hsin from Kinmen's Lieyu Junior High School achieved a remarkable feat at this year's National Middle School Athletic Games in Chiayi County, winning consecutive gold medals in the boys' 1500m and 2000m steeplechase. In the latter event held today, he clocked in at 6:13.08, shattering the previous meet record.
Speaking to CNA via phone after the race, Lin explained that the 2000m steeplechase is more technically demanding than the 1500m due to the hurdles. He noted that he ran at his own pace and was pleasantly surprised to find he had broken the record.
Lin encouraged his juniors in Kinmen to 'set their sights far.' He remarked, 'Even if you're No. 1 in Kinmen, you might not even be in the top 8 in Taiwan.' He emphasized that participating in national events increases one's ability to handle pressure. Seeing the intensity of athletes in open and high school categories has helped him stay calm during his own races.
Lin expressed gratitude to his coaches Wang Ruo-ci and Xu Zhong-yu, as well as his parents. He also thanked the principal of Lieyu Junior High School, who attended in person, and his classmates who cheered for him via livestream.
Coach Xu Zhong-yu, who is based at Jinning Middle & Elementary School, shared that Lin began training with him following a recommendation from Lieyu coach Wang Ruo-ci. Xu pointed out that the intensity of national competitions is vastly different from local ones in Kinmen. He noted that Lin's experience competing alongside adults in last year's National Games helped him break his personal best in the 1500m.
Xu highlighted that junior high students have great potential for growth. By experiencing national competitions and understanding different tactics and rhythms, they gain invaluable experience. He expressed hope for more government support for Kinmen athletes to compete in mainland Taiwan, which would provide a positive boost to the island's grassroots sports development.
Speaking to CNA via phone after the race, Lin explained that the 2000m steeplechase is more technically demanding than the 1500m due to the hurdles. He noted that he ran at his own pace and was pleasantly surprised to find he had broken the record.
Lin encouraged his juniors in Kinmen to 'set their sights far.' He remarked, 'Even if you're No. 1 in Kinmen, you might not even be in the top 8 in Taiwan.' He emphasized that participating in national events increases one's ability to handle pressure. Seeing the intensity of athletes in open and high school categories has helped him stay calm during his own races.
Lin expressed gratitude to his coaches Wang Ruo-ci and Xu Zhong-yu, as well as his parents. He also thanked the principal of Lieyu Junior High School, who attended in person, and his classmates who cheered for him via livestream.
Coach Xu Zhong-yu, who is based at Jinning Middle & Elementary School, shared that Lin began training with him following a recommendation from Lieyu coach Wang Ruo-ci. Xu pointed out that the intensity of national competitions is vastly different from local ones in Kinmen. He noted that Lin's experience competing alongside adults in last year's National Games helped him break his personal best in the 1500m.
Xu highlighted that junior high students have great potential for growth. By experiencing national competitions and understanding different tactics and rhythms, they gain invaluable experience. He expressed hope for more government support for Kinmen athletes to compete in mainland Taiwan, which would provide a positive boost to the island's grassroots sports development.