A medium carbon alloy steel with a strength of 2.0GPa is obtained by a novel multi-step process. This is attributed to a synergistic multi-phase strengthening effect. The SEM micrograph of the tensile fracture surface exhibits a mixed mode of quasi-cleavage and dimple rupture, which confi rms the high strength obtained. Further details can be found in the article, number 1800207, by Cheng Liu and co-workers.