Taiwan's first Olympic gold medalist, winning the women's 80-meter hurdles at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and a trailblazer for Taiwanese athletics.
Chi Cheng, a Taiwanese track and field athlete, made history in the 1960s and 1970s with her remarkable speed, agility, and determination, earning her the title of Olympic medalist and Associated Press Athlete of the Year in 1970. As a former pentathlete turned sprinter, Chi Cheng's impressive career was marked by numerous world records, national championships, and a bronze medal in the 80-meter hurdles at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Born on March 15, 1944, in Hsinchu, Japanese Taiwan, Chi Cheng's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. She won a Kuomintang scholarship to attend the University of Hawaii, where she began her college education. Later, she transferred to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) in Pomona, California, where she received most of her athletic training.
In 1970, Chi Cheng was ranked number one in the world for 100 meters and 200 meters, second in the 400 meters, and third in 100-meter hurdles. She was undefeated in 69 races that season, a feat that earned her the Associated Press Athlete of the Year title.
After retiring from athletics, Chi Cheng went on to become the Director of Women's Athletics at the University of Redlands, California, from 1974 to 1976. She later naturalized as a U.S. citizen but returned to Taiwan, where she was appointed the Secretary-General of the Republic of China Track and Field Association in 1977 and later became the Chairman.
Chi Cheng's remarkable athletic career, numerous world records, and inspirational achievements have left a lasting legacy in the world of track and field. Her contributions to the sport have paved the way for future generations of athletes, and her name remains synonymous with excellence and dedication.
Today, Chi Cheng's legacy continues to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike, serving as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and determination.
