Zheng Fengrong, former high jump world record-holder, dies at 89
BEIJING: World Athletics paid tribute to former high jump world record-holder Zheng Fengrong following her death on Tuesday aged 89, Xinhua reported.
Former Chinese high jump world record-holder Zheng Fengrong passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, as reported by Xinhua. Fengrong made history in 1957 when she set a world record by clearing 1.77 meters, becoming the first Chinese athlete to achieve such a milestone. She later improved the national record to 1.78 meters in 1963, only to be surpassed by Romania's Iolanda Balas in 1958.
Fengrong's career extended beyond high jump, as she excelled in combined events, winning gold medals at the Chinese National Games and the Games of the New Emerging Forces. After retiring, she served as vice-president of the Chinese Athletics Association and was honored with the Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee in 1995 for her contributions to the Olympic movement.
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