(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The 20-year-old swimmer finished second in the women's 200m butterfly at the Rome World Championships in 2 minutes 3.9 seconds. Liu surpassed the world 200m butterfly record with a time of 2:01.81 at the 11th National Games. She also shattered the world mark twice at the World Cup short-course series.

4. Bai Xue (female, track and field)

Photo shows Bai Xue, the 21-year-old runner who became the first Chinese to win a marathon race at the World Championships in Berlin in August. Bai also won in the 11th National Games and Asian Athletics Championships.

(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The 21-year-old runner became the first Chinese to win a marathon race at the World Championships in Berlin in August. Bai also won in the 11th National Games and Asian Athletics Championships.

5. Lin Dan (male, badminton)

Photo shows Lin Dan, the 26-year-old who headed China to victory in the Sudirman Cup world mixed team badminton championship in May. In August, Lin became the first male athlete to have claimed three straight singles titles in the world championships.

(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The 26-year-old headed China to victory in the Sudirman Cup world mixed team badminton championship in May. In August, Lin became the first male athlete to have claimed three straight singles titles in the world championships.

6. Wang Meng (female, speed skating)

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