Chinese athlete wins second race walking title in La Coruna

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For the second time, 27-year-old Qieyang Shijie won the 20-kilometer 2018 IAAF Race Walking Challenge on Saturday, clocking in a time of one hour, 28 minutes and 58 seconds.

This year's win is on par with the first time she won the race in 2016, with a time of one hour, 28 minutes and 30 seconds.

She is also an Olympic medalist, winning the silver medal for the 20-kilometer race walk at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Qieyang Shijie at 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. /Xinhua Photo

Born in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Qieyang spent many Tibetan New Years training. Race walking took her from a remote grassland in China to the world stage. With the name meaning "the sun" in Tibetan, Qieyang made her family, and of course, China proud when she became the first Chinese Tibetan Olympic medal winner in London.

"I missed my parents. I want to thank them for supporting me for so many years. May my parents and everyone who supports me be blessed. I hope more Tibetans can enter sports sector," said Qieyang after winning the medal in London.

Qieyang Shijie's achievements /CGTN Photo