TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese shot put champion Chiang Ching-yuan (江靜緣) punched her ticket to the finals at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany Tuesday (July 22). Her explosive opening throw sailed 16.60 meters, placing her third in Group A and sixth among all competitors in the preliminary round. The qualification format divides athletes into two groups with three attempts each, advancing the top performer from each group plus the ten best overall marks.
Chiang holds Taiwan's national women's shot put record and set her sights on exceeding 16.50 meters in her opening throws before departing for Germany. Her first attempt triumphantly surpassed that benchmark, though her second throw fell short of the mark. The veteran competitor's third effort reached 16.46 meters, definitively clinching her spot in the championship final round.
American thrower Abria Deonna-Celene Smith dominated the preliminary standings with a commanding 17.90-meter heave, while Sweden's Axelina Elin Signe Johansson secured second place with 17.25 meters. Chiang remains within striking distance of medal contention if she delivers her peak performance in the final competition. Taiwanese supporters and athletics enthusiasts anxiously anticipate her final appearance, harboring genuine hopes for a podium finish. ◼