Are Athletes Ready for the Continental Tour Event in Beijing Ahead of the World Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 athletes will compete across various track and field events.
- Olympic champion Andre De Grasse reflects on the significance of returning to Beijing.
- Competitors like Sarah Mitton aim to refine their skills for upcoming championships.
- The event provides a chance for young athletes to learn from seasoned professionals.
- China's hosting of the Continental Tour highlights its growing stature in athletics.
Beijing (China), Sep 6 (NationPress) As the 2025 World Athletics Continental Tour approaches its moment in Beijing this Sunday, many athletes participating in this prestigious event are eager to enhance their performance leading up to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
This stop on the Continental Tour will showcase over 100 competitors across various events, including the men's 100m, 400m, 800m, 110m hurdles, pole vault, high jump, and long jump. The women's events will include 100m, 1500m, 3000m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, shot put, and javelin. The event will span just over two hours in the evening.
During a press conference on Saturday, Olympic champion Andre De Grasse from Canada shared his excitement about returning to Beijing, recalling fond memories, as reported by Xinhua.
"I can't believe it's been nearly a decade since my last visit here," De Grasse stated. "From my hotel room, I could see the Bird's Nest, where I previously competed. It brought back so many wonderful memories. I look forward to returning in two years for the 2027 World Championships."
Canadian athlete Sarah Mitton, the reigning women's shot put champion from the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, is utilizing the Beijing event to gear up for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
"The competition among female shot putters is intensifying, with many nearing the 21-meter mark," Mitton remarked. "I'm focusing on delivering consistent throws to refine my performance ahead of Tokyo."
China recently announced a roster of 73 athletes for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, featuring seasoned competitor Xie Zhenye and promising hurdler Chen Yuanjiang, both of whom will participate in the Beijing event.
"Hosting a world-class event is a significant acknowledgment for Chinese athletics," Xie noted. "For our athletes, particularly the younger generation, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the elite at home and make long-term improvements."
Chen emphasized the importance of the timing of the Continental meet.
"The Beijing event occurs just before the World Championships in Tokyo," he said. "It will aid me in adapting to the pressures of high-level competitions, and I'm committed to achieving a personal best on the international stage."