Chinese netizens have praised Yang Lihao, a 14-year-old Shanghai teen climber who won gold in the combined Lead and Boulder event of the U16 Group at the National Games, for baecoming the first rock climbing champion in the history of the national sports gala, which included the event for the first time in 2021.

On September 20, Yang competed in the rock climbing and 'difficulty' competitions in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Northwest China, taking first and second place, respectively, and won gold with his total score.

"Climbing events put an athlete's physical strength and talents to the test, but they also need strategic thinking when it comes to route design and selection. Even before the competition begins, climbers must be highly focused. This is a sport that requires expertise, yet he looks to be very gifted for his age, "On Monday, Wang Ming, a Chengdu amateur climber, told the Global Times.

The young athlete competed with his schoolmate Jiang Yuxuan, a student-athlete who juggles training and studying at the same time. At the games, the two were seen relaxing out together.

Yang's feat has inspired his Shanghai classmates, and many of them have expressed their support for the young climber on Sina Weibo.

"I'm thrilled to have him as a classmate," one Sina Weibo user said.

This pride has not been restricted to his classmates; many netizens have referred to the young climber as "a true model youngster."

"In comparison to the popular'sissy' boy pictures, he displays a healthy image of a young teen, extending beneficial activities and improving both body and mind," a Sina Weibo user stated.

"If my daughter had to be a fan of an idol," Yao, a 43-year-old father, told the Global Times, "I hope she could follow Yang rather than those dancing and singing idols that appear and act dramatically and weirdly. Online."

When Yang was in third grade, his father took him to a local climbing club, where he found his affinity for climbing.

The athlete exuded confidence before the National Games, telling the media that he aimed to win at least one medal. After the tournament, he intends to study in the United States.

Since 2016, when rock climbing became an Olympic sport, teams have formed around China to identify and nurture new potential athletes. Many of Shanghai's schools have been included in the first batch of featured national rock climbing schools, making it one of the sport's top cities.

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