Rising to the challenges of unique locale

People haven't just been talking about their athletic prowess; more visibly, they've also been drawn to their striking good looks and toned, athletic physiques.

Seeing so many spectators come out to cheer for her, Shao said that all this public interest is actually a good thing for athletics.

"If people can focus that attention on the high jump, I'd be very happy," she said.

Now 24, Shao is a postgraduate student at Tsinghua University's School of Social Sciences and is often called a "beauty A-grader" by the public.

She finds it natural to balance her academic studies with her training.

Standing at just 1.75 meters — hardly an advantage for a female high jumper — Shao has strengthened herself by training more than 300 days a year.

She now has her sights set on this year's Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

This year is the Year of the Horse, her zodiac year, and she likens herself to a colorful pony.

"Compared to those tall, powerful horses, I might look small, but even the small have their own strength."