Rao Xinyu (L) poses for a photo after the Women's 800m Final at the 14th National Games. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsrbs]

Rao Xinyu, a runner from Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, finished second in the Women's 800m Final with a time of 2 minutes and 3.38 seconds at the 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on Sept 22.

"If Rao finished with a time within 2 mins, she would have been qualified for the Olympic Games," said Rao's coach Shen Kefeng.

The race's champion passed Rao during the final 100-meter-stretch and finished the race with a time of 2 minutes and 1.2 seconds.

Rao's excellent athletic ability was discovered by her physical education teacher Cai Yusheng when she was a elementary school student. Cai then sent her to receiving professional training from Shen, the track coach at Zhoushan Youth Sports School, when Rao was 13 years old.

Three years later, Rao joined the provincial team to receive more professional and systematic training, which enabled her to stand out in middle- and long-distance races.

Rao's performances in 800m races have consistently improved over the past few years. "The consistent improvement shows that Rao has great potential and it also means that Rao has found a suitable training method," noted Shen. "In the future, Rao will surely enjoy bigger successes."

The 14th National Games, which is being held from Sept 15 to 27, features 35 sports, 32 of which are being staged in Shaanxi and three in other provinces.