Three 12-year-old athletes from China have set a new world record in the mixed 60-second Double Dutch speed event at the Asian Jump Rope Championships, completing an astonishing 496 jumps in just one minute.
Leng Haoran, Ou Xutao and Xu Chengxi, all members of Chongqing’s Gangcheng Primary School jump rope team, claimed the gold medal after breaking the previous world record during the prestigious continental competition.
The Asian Jump Rope Championships, regarded as the highest-level tournament in Asia, attracted more than 1,160 athletes from nine countries and regions this year.
The mixed 60-second Double Dutch speed event is considered one of the competition’s toughest disciplines. Two athletes turn the ropes while a third jumps continuously, requiring flawless teamwork, precise timing and exceptional stamina. Even the slightest mistake can cost valuable points.
As soon as the event began, the trio quickly found their rhythm, with the ropes spinning so rapidly they were almost impossible to follow with the naked eye.
With around 20 seconds remaining, jumper Xu Chengxi began showing signs of exhaustion as her legs started trembling. Encouraged by teammates cheering from the sidelines, she steadied herself and pushed through to the finish.
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard displayed 496 jumps, confirming a new world record and securing the championship title for the Chinese team.
The three athletes have trained together for the past three years under the guidance of their coaches, spending months refining their technique, coordination and timing.
Coach Fan Ziqi said speed events are not just about explosive power but also mastering the fundamentals. During the school term, the trio trains for two hours every day after class and continues practising on weekends and public holidays. Before major competitions, they even volunteer for extra morning training sessions.
Another coach, Zeng Zhen, said natural talent alone is not enough, explaining that success comes from relentless practice, teamwork and understanding every aspect of the sport. After thousands of training sessions together, the three athletes now move almost as one.
Gangcheng Primary School’s jump rope programme has been running for 26 years and currently has around 60 team members. The school has produced numerous champions at national and international competitions and has made jump rope a core part of campus life, with daily school-wide sessions, weekly lessons and an annual jump rope festival.
Coach Fan said the greatest achievement is not the medals, but the values the sport teaches.
“Sport isn’t only about winning or losing. It teaches teamwork, courage, perseverance and the determination to never give up,” he said.
After a short break, the team will begin preparations for next year’s World Jump Rope Championships.
