How Liu Zhangtao Achieved Sniper Success: A 26-Year-Old’s Journey from Rookie to Record-Breaker

Translation result A Chinese sniper in her 20s has drawn attention for defying gender stereotypes with precise marksmanship and grit. She endured a grueling regimen: carrying roughly 57.3 lb (26 kg) of gear, including a rifle that tips the scale at more than 22 lb (10 kg), sprinting over mountain trails for more than 200 m (about 219 yd) and then engaging targets at 600–800 m (approximately 656–875 yd).

On April 27, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) ran a profile of Liu Jiangtao, 26, from Chongqing in southwest China. Liu serves as a sniper with the Sichuan mobile unit of the People’s Armed Police (PAP).

According to the report, Liu began her service as a reconnaissance trooper but later set a women’s record in the sniper selection test by placing three shots on a coin-size target several hundred meters away.

Skeptics quickly questioned Liu’s suitability for the role. Many doubted whether her slight frame could handle the QBU-10 — a 1.4-meter (about 4 ft 7 in) rifle built to neutralize high-value targets such as armored vehicles, helicopters and fortifications.

“The only way to break prejudice is to prove it with your ability,” Liu told local media. She answered doubt with relentless training. The rifle’s recoil repeatedly bruised her collarbone, and she occasionally lost her balance.

Liu didn’t back down. She spent hours prone on the range, holding the heavy rifle under the sun while mosquitoes bit, maintaining correct form until she earned the respect of her comrades.

The outlet noted that colleagues have nicknamed her the “sniper’s sweetheart” because of her youthful looks, love of dance and upbeat personality.