World Athletics President Sebastian Coe extended heartfelt Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese sports enthusiasts this week, drawing parallels between the symbolic Year of the Horse and athletic excellence. In his video message viewed by millions, Coe emphasized qualities of "speed, momentum, and relentless progress" as shared values between traditional Chinese culture and global athletic aspirations.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist specifically highlighted Beijing's growing influence in world sports, noting preparations for the 2027 World Athletics Championships mark a "new chapter in China's sporting journey." This will be Beijing's first time hosting the event since 2015, with organizers planning to utilize several venues from the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Sports analysts interpret Coe's message as reinforcing China's central role in international athletics development. The upcoming championships are expected to draw over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions, with particular attention on emerging Chinese talent following the nation's strong showing at the 2026 Asian Games.
