Chinese star sprinter Su Bingtian ran his final race Thursday, finishing fourth with his teammates in the men's 4x100-meter relay at the 15th National Games to conclude a groundbreaking 21-year career.

The 36-year-old, who now serves as dean of the School of Physical Education at Jinan University, competed before 43,924 spectators at the 45,801-seat Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in a farewell for the athlete who transformed Asian sprinting.

Su Bingtian of team Guangdong competes during the men's 4x100m relay final of athletics at China's 15th National Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

"I didn't want to leave quietly without a proper goodbye," Su told the crowd. "Here in my hometown, with a full stadium, I'm honored to say farewell."

Reflecting on his career, he said, "From a clueless kid to racing on the world stage, step by step, I broke the 10-second barrier and reached the Olympic 100-meter final. Only persistence makes dreams come true."

Su's career was defined by historic milestones. In 2012, he became the first Chinese sprinter to reach an Olympic 100-meter semifinal in London. Three years later, he ran 9.99 seconds at the Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, becoming the first Asian-born athlete to break the 10-second barrier.

By 2018, he had set multiple Asian records in the 60-meter, won a World Indoor Championships silver medal and captured the Asian Games 100-meter title in a record 9.92 seconds. His crowning achievement came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he ran 9.83 seconds in the 100-meter, becoming the first Chinese man to reach an Olympic 100-meter final. He also helped China's 4x100-meter relay team win bronze.

"Time flies," Su said, recalling years spent on training abroad. "Ten years ago, I was training in the U.S. with Zhang Peimeng. Now, it feels like a blink."

His legacy resonated with China's next generation of sprinters. Li Zeyang, who won the men's 100-meter and 4x100-meter relay in Guangzhou, described participating in Su's farewell race as "the honor of a lifetime."

"I never imagined winning two golds at this National Games, let alone sharing the track with my idol," Li said. "Su's 9.83-second record - I don't think I can break it. But our generation, and the ones after, must try."

Su reflected on his 9.83-second mark, which still stands. "When I was running, I wanted to be the best. Now I hope someone stronger emerges."

Mo Jiadie, a triple gold medalist at the games, said Su's influence endures. "People say this is his last race, but his spirit and resilience remain. We will carry them forward."

Su vowed to stay involved in the sport despite retiring from competition.

"I won't leave track and field. I want to help the next generation chase their dreams," he said. "I used to think I'd never grow old, but reality catches up. Still, I've filled my youth with stories that I'll tell my children."

"I hope every young athlete keeps striving," he added. "If you persevere, your dreams will come true."