China has announced a 73-member team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set to begin on September 13. The squad, comprising 41 men and 32 women competing across 33 events, blends seasoned champions with rising stars.
Leading the charge are world champions Yang Jiayu and Gong Lijiao. Gong, a 36-year-old shot-put legend, will compete in her 10th World Championships, having previously secured two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. Yang, the women's 20km race walk world record holder, aims to build on her dominant Olympic victory in Paris last year.
The team also features 2022 women's discus world champion Feng Bin and men's triple jump Olympic silver medalist Zhu Yaming. Wu Ruiting, who shattered a 16-year-old Asian record in men's triple jump last month, adds further depth to China's medal prospects.
Notable newcomers include 18-year-old hammer throw prodigy Zhang Jiale, who broke the Under-20 world record twice this season, and race walker Ma Li, set to compete in both the 20km and 35km events. The mix of experience and youth underscores China's strategic focus on nurturing talent while leveraging veteran expertise.
