Shenzhen teen wins third straight FISE BMX title in Shanghai

Liu Haoran celebrates his victory with a Chinese national flag at the 2026 FISE World Series Shanghai, where he claimed his third consecutive boys' junior BMX freestyle title. Photos by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Fourteen-year-old Shenzhen student Liu Haoran claimed his third consecutive boys' junior BMX Freestyle Park title at the 2026 FISE World Series in Shanghai, adding another international victory to his growing list of achievements.

Liu, a student at Qilin No. 2 Middle School, part of the Nanshan Experimental Education Group, impressed judges with technically demanding tricks, precise landings and consistent execution at the competition, held Oct. 15-18. He is also expected to represent China at an upcoming FISE event in France.

The Shanghai event brought together leading action sports athletes from around the world. Liu's victory marked his third straight title in the boys' junior park competition, following wins in 2024 and 2025. He also competed in the men's professional spine ramp event this year, achieving a personal best. 

From young rider to record breaker

Liu Haoran executes an aerial trick during a BMX freestyle competition. The Shenzhen student has won multiple national and international junior titles.

Liu took up BMX freestyle at age 6 and has since established himself as one of China's leading junior riders.

His achievements include four consecutive titles in the China BMX Freestyle League, a national youth U-series championship and multiple victories at international competitions. In 2023, he earned China's national master athlete designation.

Liu first represented the Chinese national team at the FISE Shanghai event in 2024, winning the junior title. He followed that victory with three more titles over the next month.

In October 2025, Liu made headlines by breaking the Guinness World Records title for the highest bicycle backflip. He cleared 2.9 meters, surpassing the previous record of 2.8 meters set by British rider Ben Wallace in 2010. The achievement was featured in Guinness World Records Day celebrations the following month. 

"For me, the 2.9-meter record isn't just a number. It's a launchpad for reaching even greater heights," Liu said in an interview published by Guinness World Records.

He described BMX as a sport that combines freedom with control, particularly the sensation of defying gravity while airborne.

Shenzhen teenager Liu Haoran performs BMX freestyle tricks during competitions. 

Family and school support

Behind Liu's competition success are years of intensive training and support from his family and school.

"My dad is my fitness coach and nutritionist, while my mom is my safe haven when I'm exhausted," Liu said.

He credits his parents with helping him through difficult periods and believes maintaining composure during demanding maneuvers is essential to his progress.

"Fear is instinctive, but you have to stay calm in the air," he said.

Liu Haoran performs a backflip against a backdrop of towering sandstone peaks.

His school has also worked to accommodate the demands of elite athletic training while ensuring that he keeps up with his studies.

Chen Mingyu, principal of Qilin No. 2 Middle School, said the school has worked closely with Liu's parents and coaching team to develop flexible academic schedules, accommodate physical training and arrange individualized study plans following competitions.

"Behind his outstanding achievements are passion and perseverance," Chen said. "He's willing to practice a single trick tens of thousands of times."

Liu Haoran performs an aerial BMX trick. He began riding at age 6 and has since become one of China's most accomplished junior freestyle riders.

Despite his sporting commitments, Liu continues to work toward maintaining a balance between competition and academic development.

According to the school, two of its students have earned the national master athlete designation. The school has sought to provide opportunities for students to pursue sporting ambitions alongside their academic studies.

For Liu, the next challenge is to build on his Shanghai success as he prepares for further international competition.