The one-year countdown to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing was held

China News Service, Beijing, September 10 (Reporter Guo Xuan) The one-year countdown to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing was held at the National Stadium on the 10th. Gong Lijiao, the Olympic champion and shot put star who retired last year, sent a message to Chinese track and field rookies to cherish the opportunity of competition and strive for the best results.

At the event site, the event emblem, mascot and theme slogan were officially released. The emblem "Jingyue" takes the fusion of the characters "Temple of Heaven" and "京" as the core creative idea, and draws on the meaning of Chinese calligraphy. It not only engraves Beijing's regional imprint, but also bursts out the vigorous tension of track and field sports.

The mascot "Jingyan" continues the design inspiration of the mascot "Yan'er" of the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. It is based on the Beijing swift, which means "the swallow returns home after 12 years".

The theme slogan is "Each Step Counts", which embodies the philosophy of "every step is meaningful and every effort is important".

On September 10, the one-year countdown to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing was held at the National Stadium. The picture shows the appearance of the mascot "Jingyan". Photo by China News Service reporter Tomita

This is the first time in 12 years that the World Athletics Championships will be held in Beijing. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said in a video speech that Beijing, as the first city in the world to successfully host the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics, has a glorious history of hosting games. The 2015 World Athletics Championships left many wonderful moments. World Athletics firmly believes that China can successfully host this World Athletics Championships with the highest standards and provide an unforgettable sports feast to global audiences.

Tong Lixin, deputy director of the State Sports General Administration, said that the General Administration of Sports will work with all parties to promote event preparations with high standards, not only to prepare solidly and strive for good results in home games, but also to promote the popularity of track and field by hosting world-class events, consolidate the base of reserve talents, stimulate the vitality of the sports industry, deepen international sports exchanges, tell the story of Chinese sports, and show the style of a great country.

12 years ago, Gong Lijiao won the runner-up in the women's shot put at the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. Now transformed from a participant to a witness, she said in an interview with the media that she expected Chinese athletes to seize the opportunity to compete at home and win glory for the country. "I want to say to them, try to let go (themselves) and show your achievements. Don't be nervous. You must cherish this great moment and run, shoot, and jump out of your personal best (PB)."