Chinese Student Carries 70+ Marathon Medals to Graduation Ceremony

A university student in northwestern China who used a shoulder pole to carry over 70 marathon competition medals to his graduation ceremony has captivated mainland social media.

Jin Yanwei, 24, graduated from Xian Traffic Engineering Institute in Shaanxi province this summer.

The school held its graduation ceremony on June 23. After receiving his graduation certificate from two school leaders, Jin stepped off the stage, picked up a shoulder pole that was hung with dozens of medals, and carried it back to the stage for display.

In addition, he had some extra medals hung around his neck, as reported by the China Youth Daily.

Students and teachers in the hall responded instantly with applause and cheers for Jin.

These medals were earned by Jin in marathon competitions and other long-distance running events over the past few years.

The report does not specify his major at the Xian institute, except to clarify that he is a non-sport student.

Jin first joined a marathon in 2021. He runs an average of 15 km every day and covers 350-400 km each month. In the past two years alone, he has run a total of 7,835 km.