Chapter 504: Sprint in the Swiss Sunlight

Zurich.

Clear Swiss sunlight poured down generously, bathing the Letzigrund Stadium in a faint golden glow.

When Xu Chen and his companions entered, the previous event had just ended, leaving the stadium in a brief lull as they prepared for the next.

The track stood empty now, with only a few staff members clearing the area and checking equipment.

Rows of white hurdles were already in place…

The press area was cordoned off, spanning the first and second levels to let reporters and photographers from various countries find their ideal spots.

“This view is perfect—we can see the track straight ahead!” Su Rong exclaimed, thrilled.

Wu Feifei said, “Let’s move up front! Closer to the finish line!”

Su Rong added, “Yeah, Bing Ge will spot us right away when he runs by!”…

The two girls chattered excitedly and quickly found the best spot to watch.

This area was near the finish line, already buzzing with journalists and photographers setting up their gear.

Some on-site broadcasters were already speaking into microphones, rattling off in foreign languages.

There were three or four rows of empty seats, but the reporters were too busy to notice, so Xu Chen and his friends picked their spots.

After some debate, Wu Feifei and Su Rong snagged a spot on the second row of steps with the clearest view.

Xu Chen settled in and turned to glance at the stands behind them, packed with spectators.

People of all colors and backgrounds waved flags from North America, the USA, Australia, and more, cheering for their finalists.

Wu Feifei scanned the stadium and pointed excitedly to a section on the opposite second level:

“Look! That’s the group here to cheer for Bing Ge!”

That section was full of people waving large and small red national flags.

The group wasn’t huge, but it stood out sharply.

No one knew if they were local Chinese expats or fans who traveled from home just for this.

In track and field, the 100-meter hurdles always drew the most excitement and talk.

Though the races flashed by in seconds, they showcased the raw limits of human speed and strength.

Back home, track events weren’t a big deal, so they didn’t get much buzz.

But Xie Bingran’s first entry into a world-class final would clearly boost interest in the sport nationwide.

In fact, not just in China—this International Athletics Grand Prix was generating buzz across Asia.

After all, Xie Bingran was the only female hurdler from Asia standing with the top black and white athletes…

Wu Feifei spotted someone in the stands to their side and said:

“That looks like Akabane Kaoru from Japan.”

Xu Chen glanced back and recognized her right away.

Akabane Kaoru was Japan’s top female hurdler, someone they’d seen at last year’s East Asia Youth Games and Asian Games.

She was competing in this Grand Prix too, but like Chen Lan and Bai Miao, she didn’t make it out of her heat and missed the final.

Now, as a spectator, she sat with her coaches and teammates, still supporting Xie Bingran as fellow Asians.

Though out early, she stayed to cheer on someone from the same region…

Su Rong sneaky pulled her backpack forward.

From it, she pulled out a big bundle that unfolded into colorful flags cheering for Bing Ge.

These flags were clearly Su Rong’s own design, featuring a huge, cute “Bing” in bold letters.

Wu Feifei reached for one and said:

“You’re so creative!”

Xu Chen quietly got ready too, pulling a vibrant national flag from his bag.

For Xie Bingran’s first real international competition, nothing beat waving that flag.

“Look! That’s a CCTV reporter!” Su Rong pointed excitedly ahead.

Two reporters were fiddling with cameras, their vests emblazoned with the CCTV logo.

One took off his vest, revealing a crisp suit underneath, smoothed his hair, and grabbed the microphone.

Su Rong said, “That’s got to be a CCTV host—he looks familiar.”

Wu Feifei thought for a moment: “From CCTV Sports Channel, I think his name’s Yu Ning.

I’ve seen him on sports news before…”

“And there’s Five Star Sports too.” Xu Chen nodded toward the side.

A group of staff in Five Star Sports gear sat at a nearby workstation, setting up recording and audio equipment.

Wu Feifei asked, “What’s that host’s name again?

I saw him covering Bing Ge’s races before.”

Xu Chen replied, “Duan Yong.”

Wu Feifei said, “Right, right!”

Xu Chen had a strong memory of Duan Yong from Five Star Sports.

Last May, when Xie Bingran competed in her first national event in Shanghai—the National Youth Athletics Championships—he was the on-site commentator.

Xie Bingran’s upset win over Bai Miao and Dong Jiajia, the ‘Shanghai twins,’ clearly caught Duan Yong off guard, but he handled it well.

His spontaneous, energetic commentary really amped up the crowd.

Since then, he’d covered several of Xie Bingran’s races on Five Star Sports.

Wu Feifei said, “They look like they’re setting up for a live broadcast—do you think it’s here?”

Xu Chen said, “Seems like just audio gear, probably recording the commentary.”

Su Rong beamed, “That’s great—we get to hear it!”…

Wu Feifei asked, “Is it starting soon? Where’s Bing Ge for warm-up?”

Xu Chen replied, “He didn’t warm up before the prelims either. The warm-up area’s probably outside.

They’ll just come in and race straight.”

Su Rong said, “I’m so nervous—my knees are shaking.”

Xu Chen glanced down and saw Su Rong’s knees trembling for real.

Wu Feifei rolled her eyes a bit and reached over to hold Su Rong’s knees steady.

…

Phones buzzed nonstop with group messages.

Back home, it was evening, and countless people were glued to their TVs waiting for the race.

The company in Shanghai had organized a viewing party again.

Riding the event’s hype, Ran Bing Sports was running promotions and store events.

The big one was the first release and pre-sale of Ran Bing X.

After the prelims, their online store traffic had tripled, and it’d only grow after today.

Launching Ran Bing X now was the perfect timing…

In Tiancheng, Fang Jun and Wu Yue were handling things at the park.

They’d set up a huge screen outside Fang Jun’s bar.

Old Xu had put Li Rui, Zhao Feng, and Fang Tao—Bing Ge’s buddies—in the front row…

Tiancheng’s sports system, Tiancheng Sports University, and the provincial Sports University were all tuned in, organizing watch parties to cheer on their own.

But Xu Chen’s phone was buzzing most from his high school alumni group.

“Bing Ge” who ruled Tiancheng No. 1 High School was now making waves abroad, and it felt surreal to everyone.

Xu Chen didn’t even need to check—there were probably a ton of tags for him.

Since Bing Ge wasn’t in the group, all the excitement landed on Xu Chen.

…

…

In Letzigrund Stadium, stirring European classical music rose, followed by roaring cheers.

The stadium speakers broadcast the announcer’s introduction.

Since Zurich is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the male host was speaking in rhythmic German.

Even without understanding, it was clear the Women’s 100m Hurdles final at the International Athletics Grand Prix was about to start.

Then the female host switched to English, officially signaling the athletes’ entrance.

The LED screen at the entrance lit up.

First up was the green-yellow-black flag of Jamaica.

A lean, agile black athlete stepped out, waving to the crowd.

Xu Chen and his friends shifted slightly and could just catch Duan Yong from Five Star Sports starting his broadcast nearby.

“In lane one, it’s DeLois Ennis from Jamaica.

Jamaica’s always been a track powerhouse, especially since the millennium with stars galore.

DeLois snagged bronze in the Women’s 100m Hurdles at last year’s World Indoor Championships…”

Next, the Australian flag illuminated the screen.

A tall white athlete jogged out with a smile, drawing massive applause.

“In lane two, the track star from Australia, Sally Pearson.

Earlier this year, she hit a personal best of 12.41 seconds at the Commonwealth Athletics League.

Sally’s at her peak and a top contender for gold or silver today…”

“Lane three, a familiar face—the hurdle legend from the USA, Joanna Hayes. She clocked 12.37 at the 2004 Athens Olympics for gold.

But she’s been inconsistent lately, so let’s see what she brings today!”

“Lane four, another strong medal hopeful from Canada, Lopez Schlip!

Known as the ‘Real Hulk’ for her build, her PB is 12.40…”

Xu Chen and the others knew her well—she’d beaten Xie Bingran by half a body in the prelims for first in their heat.

Her entrance triggered huge cheers, showing her popularity.

Xu Chen glanced at Wu Feifei and Su Rong, both tense and huddled close.

They looked more ready for the race than Bing Ge…

Another wave of cheers erupted as the stars and stripes flag appeared.

A black athlete ran out, arms raised high.

“Lane five, the rising star from the USA, Lolo Jones.

She ran 12.37 with a tailwind at last year’s North American Diamond League.

Lolo’s improving fast and tipped as a favorite for next year’s Beijing Olympics in the Women’s 100m Hurdles!

From the crowd’s reaction, her looks have won her plenty of fans!”

Su Rong glanced at the big screen and said:

“Is that what they call stunning?”

Wu Feifei replied, “Western tastes differ—among black athletes, she’s pretty top-tier.”

Su Rong just nodded, puzzled.

“Lane six, another American black athlete, Damu Cheli.

She was banned for three years over doping, and this is her first major comeback—must be a mix of emotions.”

“Lane seven, the other hurdle star from Jamaica, Brigitte Foster…”

“Lane eight, the young talent from Eastern Europe’s Poland, Karolina Rabcewiczka…”

…

When the vibrant red flag lit up on the LED screen, Su Rong and Wu Feifei jumped to their feet.

Xu Chen stayed seated, but his heart raced faster.

“To all viewers here and at home…

In lane nine, the reason we’re all gathered with bated breath—the gold medalist from the 10th National Games, the 15th Asian Games, the breaker of domestic and Asian records, the pioneer of China’s Women’s 100m Hurdles…

Xie Bingran!

Today, in sunny Zurich at the historic Letzigrund Stadium…

She represents not just China, not just Asia, but all people of her heritage…”

…

From this far, they could only make out Bing Ge’s silhouette.

But the big screen showed her clearly, looking sharp.

Today, Xie Bingran wore a striking orange-red tracksuit—the national team’s rule for finals.

Xu Chen recalled Bing Ge mentioning it: red for representing the country.

The moment she appeared, Wu Feifei and Su Rong nearly screamed.

Su Rong thought twice and pulled Wu Feifei back down, whispering:

“We’re too close up front—let’s not distract her and mess up her run…”

Smart move.

From the opposite stands, the section with red flags erupted in cheers—the sound of support from home.

Xie Bingran stepped onto the track, lining up with the eight black and white athletes.

The stadium announcer, with a heavy German accent, called out “Xie Bingran’s” name.

There had been a long intro in German and English, hyping up this Asian finalist.

But as the noise faded, a harsh wave of boos echoed from the stands.

Xu Chen’s face hardened as he looked back.

Su Rong and Wu Feifei wore expressions of clear anger.

A few young people were shouting taunts like “Yellow Banana”—a racist slur in the West.

And with only one athlete of that heritage on the field, the target was obvious…

Security guards rushed over to stop it.

Xu Chen glanced at the starting line, hoping the noise wouldn’t shake Bing Ge’s focus.

…

…

As the stadium fell silent, Xu Chen could almost hear his own heartbeat.

The nine top female hurdlers crouched at the line.

Xu Chen blinked and looked down—Su Rong and Wu Feifei had grabbed his arms, faces frozen in tension.

He felt the same tightness in his chest.

None of Bing Ge’s past races had him this on edge.

Being trackside, not in the stands, the pressure from those nine lanes hit hard and real.

Xu Chen couldn’t imagine what was going through Bing Ge’s mind.

Her personal best of 12.42 seconds wasn’t dominant here—with four or five rivals faster, plus the Olympic champ’s 12.37.

Sure, making the final was a win, but in the heat of it, he couldn’t help wanting that medal for her.

…

Xu Chen heard his heartbeat—and maybe theirs too.

Duan Yong from Five Star Sports stood up, headphones on, microphone in hand, leaning forward.

Cameras and lenses pointed at the distant line.

…

…

After a few seconds of dead silence, the starting pistol fired.

It shattered the morning light in Zurich.

Nine figures exploded forward…

In that moment, Xu Chen swore he felt the track shake.

He shook it off—it wasn’t the track, but the roar of the crowd around him.

…

…

In just over ten seconds—or what felt like slow motion—it was over.

Su Rong and Wu Feifei turned into screaming whirlwinds, yanking on Xu Chen’s arms in excitement.

They were past the finish line in their section.

Xu Chen watched Xie Bingran cross first, ahead of the others.

When she finally stopped and turned, she glanced their way with a flicker of confusion:

Why are you all standing here?

But her eyes quickly sharpened with a cold edge.

Su Rong and Wu Feifei shivered, sensing trouble, and let go of Xu Chen’s arms, stepping back like they were innocent.

It was as if they were saying, “Not me!”

Xu Chen felt a mix of awkwardness and dread, mouth opening as if to explain from afar.

He quickly raised his arms, holding up the bright red national flag.

…

…

Meanwhile, Duan Yong stood on the workstation, microphone in hand, buzzing with energy:

“12.37 seconds! She tied the 2004 Athens Olympic gold time!

“Xie Bingran wins!”

“Who says China can’t? Who says Asia can’t? Who says people of her heritage can’t?”

“From the moment Xie Bingran burst onto the scene, standing at that line…

China has her, Asia has her, the world has her!”

“In the sunny Letzigrund Stadium, under the mighty peaks of the Alps…

That flash of red on the track deserves every bit of glory and applause…”

“No matter where you are, facing praise or challenges…

There are always people and forces pushing us forward…

Brave when we must go on, unyielding when there’s no turning back!

Rise up, shatter the ordinary, conquer the impossible.

All the glory at Letzigrund today belongs to…

Xie! Bing! Ran!”