On March 22, 2025 (Beijing time), the highly anticipated women’s 60m final took center stage at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25. In a thrilling showdown, Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji clinched the gold medal with a time of 7.04 seconds. Italy’s Zaynab Dosso followed closely behind, taking silver in 7.06 seconds, while Luxembourg’s Patrizia Van Der Weken secured bronze in 7.07 seconds. China’s LIANG Xiaojing finished eighth, breaking her personal best with 7.14 seconds.

The final was a true battle of speed, featuring some of the world’s best sprinters. Running in lane six, Kambundji showcased her explosive start and smooth mid-race transition, giving her a decisive advantage in the first 30 meters. Dosso, who had already impressed in the heats and semifinals, maintained a strong lead from the start, demonstrating her elite sprinting ability. Van Der Weken, known for her powerful acceleration, surged forward in the closing meters to claim third place.

“I’ve raced in China many times, and it’s always an amazing experience. Recently, I visited Confucius Temple in Nanjing, and I was deeply impressed by the city’s rich culture and the warmth of its people,” Kambundji shared after her victory. “I didn’t perform well in the heats and semifinals, but I knew that if I stayed focused in the final, I could deliver a great race, and I did!”

For LIANG Xiaojing, setting a new personal best in such a competitive field was a proud moment. “I’m quite satisfied with my performance, especially running in lane eight, where I wasn’t as affected by the pace of others. I just focused on getting into my own rhythm and giving it my all,” she said. She also hopes her “Nezha-inspired” hairstyle will bring her luck and confidence. Notably, LIANG Xiaojing won gold in the women’s 100m at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. She once said that Nanjing is her “lucky ground”. Reflecting on the city, LIANG Xiaojing shared her deep emotional connection: “The strongest feeling Nanjing gives me is that it feels like ‘home’, a place where I truly belong. Whether it was in 2014 or now, competing here and representing my country fills me with immense pride and honor.”

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