Chinese student displays 70 marathon medals at graduation after running to fund education

A university student in northwestern China who used a shoulder pole to carry over 70 marathon competition medals to his graduation ceremony has captivated mainland social media.Jin Yanwei, 24, graduated from Xian Traffic Engineering Institute in Shaanxi province this summer.The school held its graduation ceremony on June 23. After receiving his graduation certificate from two school leaders, Jin stepped off the stage, picked up a shoulder pole that was hung with dozens of medals, and carried it back to the stage for display.Upon receiving his degree, Jin stepped off the stage to grab a shoulder pole hung with dozens of medals, carrying it back up for an official graduation photo with university leaders. Photo: HandoutIn addition, he had some extra medals hung around his neck, as reported by the China-youth-daily" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="45388" data-entity-type="organization">China Youth Daily.Students and teachers in the hall responded instantly with applause and cheers for Jin.These medals were earned by Jin in marathon competitions and other long-distance running events over the past few years.The report does not specify his major at the Xian institute, except to clarify that he is a non-sport student.Jin first joined a marathon in 2021. He runs an average of 15 km every day and covers 350-400 km each month. In the past two years alone, he has run a total of 7,835 km.He typically participates in various running events over the weekends across China and won his first marathon in 2023, in a domestic city.A Chinese runner crosses the finish line of a race in the photo above. Jin ran his first marathon in 2021, and has since clocked an impressive 7,835 km over the past two years. Photo: HandoutJin also won gold in the 5,000-metre race at the 42nd Shaanxi-provincial-university-sports-meeting" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="156331" data-entity-type="event">Shaanxi Provincial University Sports Meeting in 2023.He told the media that running is his passion and that he wants to win prizes at these events.“It is not easy for my parents to make money. If I can earn some through running to support my university life, I can relieve my family’s financial burden,” said Jin.He has not returned to his hometown in Luochuan county for family reunions in the past three years because he needed to train.Further Reading“I am just an ordinary person who loves running. I don’t have a natural talent for it, so I spend all my spare time pursuing it. While others were hanging out or playing games, I was running,” Jin remarked.“On many occasions, I thought of giving up, but I told myself to carry on for just one more step. I reached the finishing line with this unwavering determination. I am proud of myself,” he added.Beyond the honour of winning, the marathon prize money helped fund Jin’s university education, easing his parents’ financial burden. Photo: HandoutJin expressed his desire to encourage other runners to persist, stating: “Your sweat and efforts won’t be wasted.”After graduation, Jin stated that he will join China’s Western Plan to serve grass roots communities as a volunteer in poor regions, though he did not reveal details about his work.“These medals are better than any thesis paper!” praised one internet user.Another remarked: “Anyone who has run marathons knows how precious these awards are. They should be shown off!”