With just one day to go, the world-class athletics competition is set to kick off in Nanjing. On the afternoon of March 20, World Athletics held a pre-event press conference, providing an authoritative overview of the event’s concept, preparation progress, and key highlights. Several international athletics stars also shared updates on their event preparation.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 is the first major global athletics event following the Paris Olympics. It has attracted 11 reigning indoor champions, 20 Olympic medalists from Paris, and 9 world record holders. In his speech, World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon expressed gratitude to the Chinese Athletics Association and the Nanjing organizing committee for their efforts in preparation. “Nanjing will deliver an unforgettable and spectacular event. Over the next three days, we are ready,”he said.
DONG Hao, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the Organizing Committee and Director of Nanjing Sports Bureau, highlighted that this event marks another significant international sporting event for Nanjing since hosting the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Beyond providing a feast for athletics fans, this competition will further enhance Nanjing’s global influence. “It is an opportunity to showcase Nanjing’s unique history, cultural heritage, and dynamic energy to the world,”he stated.
One of the biggest highlights will be Sweden’s pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis, who will take center stage in the men’s pole vault final on the evening of March 22. The 25-year-old has broken the world record 11 times. Now in Nanjing, can he continue his “millimeter miracle”and set a new world record for the 12th time? “Breaking records depends on a combination of factors, such as strength, steps, take off, and more. I just hope to make the right decisions at every moment on the field,”Duplantissaid.
In the women’s 60m race, top sprinters will go head-to-head. One of the most anticipated athletes is Italian sprinter Zaynab Dosso. Last year, she won bronze in the women’s 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. On March 9, she claimed gold at the European Indoor Championships with a time of 7.01 seconds, the fastest in the world this season. In Nanjing, she will face off against another elite competitor, Mujinga Kambundji. The two previously clashed at the European Championships, and this race is seen as a key rematch.
“Mujinga Kambundji is a great competitor and role model. It’s exciting to chase and surpass a role model,”said Dosso.“I hope to manage my emotions after my previous wins and give my best in this race.”
Mujinga Kambundji’s younger sister, Ditaji Kambundji, is also making waves in the 60m hurdles. She clocked an impressive 7.67 seconds at the European Indoor Championships, just 0.02 seconds shy of the world record, making her a top contender for the gold medal. Ditaji admitted that she had little time to celebrate after the European Championships, immediately diving back into training. “We need to run fast this time,”she said excitedly about the upcoming race.
The stage is set, and the competition is about to ignite. Nanjing is ready! Starting tomorrow, the world’s attention will be on the “Nanjing’sCube”to witness new legends of speed and height unfold.
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