Wang Shilin

Wang Shilin, a native of Jilin, attended the Jilin Yuwen Middle School and later graduated from the Beijing Sports College in 1937. He was successful in the long jump, triple jump, high jump and initially even in the pole vault and became known as the “Chinese Jumping King” with (the Chinese character for “Wang” also meaning “King”.) In 1934, Wang represented old China in the 10th Far East Games in Manila. Two years later, he broke the national records of long jump and triple jump at the Beijing Spring Games. Wang’s record in the triple jump of 14.36 m was not to be broken before 1954. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he competed in the triple jump but was eliminated in the qualification.

After his graduation, Wang was a post-graduate tutor and later a professor at the Department of Physical Education of the Beijing Normal University. In 1953, the department became part of the Central Institute of Physical Education, later Beijing Sports University. Wang continued to work as a teacher and coach for jumping disciplines and decathlon. Even at the age of 60, he demonstrated the new flop style in the high jump. Wang Shilin received several awards for his merits as a teacher and coach, e.g. twice the “National Sports Medal of Honor” by the State Sports Commission and the honorary title “New China Sports Pioneer”. A legal case about his legacy resulted in the donation of his Olympic and other sports souvenirs to the state.

Personal Best: TJ – 14.36 (1936).