Chinese shot putter Gong Lijiao at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (© Getty Images)
Chinese shot putter Gong Lijiao has announced her retirement, bringing her career to a close after winning a record fifth consecutive title at the National Games of China. The victory, which extended a streak dating back to 2009, served as her final competitive appearance.
Gong reached the final at all 19 global championships she contested, from her debut as an 18-year-old in Osaka in 2007 to her last at age 36 in Tokyo in 2025. Over that period she collected 13 global medals, including Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and world titles in London in 2017 and Doha in 2019. She also earned medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
Gong Lijiao at the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 (© Getty Images)
Gong was not only a promising teenage talent, first making her mark in 2006 by producing the top throw by an U20 athlete that year, she also displayed remarkable longevity by reaching 10 consecutive World Championship finals and five consecutive Olympic finals.
Gong also compiled a strong record at the continental level, winning two Asian titles and three Asian Games golds.
Under long-time coach Li Meisu, Gong remained a leading figure on the world stage for nearly 20 years. She retires as one of the most accomplished shot putters of her era, with a career defined by consistency, longevity and major-championship success.
World Athletics
