Chinese Student Earns Degree With 70+ Marathon Medals
A 24-year-old Chinese engineering student graduated with over 70 marathon medals, having run more than 7,835 kilometers since 2021 to earn prize money and support his family while studying.
A Chinese student turned heads at his graduation ceremony on July 8, 2025, when 24-year-old Jin Yianwei from Xi'an Traffic Engineering Institute in Shaanxi Province walked across the stage carrying a pole laden with over 70 marathon and long-distance running medals, with additional medals draped around his neck. The auditorium erupted in applause and cheers from faculty and fellow students.
Yianwei began competing in marathons in 2021, despite not being a sports major. He trained rigorously, running an average of 15 kilometers daily. Over the past two years, he accumulated over 7,835 kilometers in total distance, won his first marathon championship in 2023, and captured a gold medal in the 5,000-meter run at the 42nd Shaanxi Province University Athletic Competition.
He revealed that running wasn't merely a passion but also a way to earn prize money to help ease his family's financial burden, as his parents worked tirelessly to support him. He devoted himself to covering expenses during his studies and did not return home during family holidays over the past three years, dedicating his time to training and competing across the country.
Yianwei admitted there were moments he considered giving up, but he constantly reminded himself "just one more step" to help him cross the finish line each time. He left fellow runners with the message: "Your sweat and efforts will never be wasted."
After graduation, he plans to join China's rural volunteer development program. Internet users widely praised his achievement, with many commenting that his medals are worth more than a thesis, and that marathon runners understand the true effort behind each medal.
