Para athletics: China's Wen Xiaoyan, Shi Yiting break world records at World Championships in Kobe

Chinese para-athlete Wen Xiaoyan set a new world record by winning the women's 100m T37 final at the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old sprinter crossed the finish line in 12.27 seconds at the Universiade Memorial Stadium in Kobe, securing another gold after retaining her world championship title in the women's long jump T37 final.

"Today I started with the starting block. I always believe there is room for breakthroughs, so this year I began to use the starting block in training. This bold attempt worked well, actually," Wen told Xinhua when reflecting on her record-breaking performance.

"I love sports, and I love running," said Wen, adding that she aims for more breakthroughs.

Taylor Swanson of the United States took the silver with a personal best of 12.86 seconds, while China's Jiang Fenfen finished third in 13.26 seconds, her season best.

China's Shi Yiting defended her world title by triumphing in the women's 100m T36 final with a new world record on May 20.

The 26-year-old sprinter clocked 13.35 seconds, marking her fourth straight world championship gold in the event.

New Zealand's Danielle Aitchison, the previous world record holder, took the silver with 13.48, as Veronica Hipolito of Brazil finished third in 14.35.

After the highly competitive race, Shi told Xinhua that she was surprised by the results.

"I didn't expect to break the world record as I have been suffering injuries recently, but I was motivated by my strong opponent on the tracks," said the sprinter, adding that she would aim even higher for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Kobe Para Athletics World Championships, held in East Asia for the first time, serve as a crucial qualifier for the Paris Paralympics. The championships have attracted over 1,000 athletes from 100 countries and regions competing across 168 events.

A total of 73 Chinese para-athletes are competing in the championships, which run till May 25.

(With input from Xinhua)