Eleven world-class champions are gearing up to defend their titles at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships, set to begin this Friday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. This highly anticipated event promises record-breaking performances and fierce competition across a range of disciplines.
Swedish pole vault star Armand Duplantis, renowned for breaking the world record 11 times—including his recent 6.27-meter vault—will look to replicate his success after his win in Glasgow. Great Britain's Molly Caudery, who cleared 4.80 meters last season, is also ready to take flight, adding excitement to an event already steeped in history with past records like Yelena Isinbayeva's 5.06-meter mark.
The field events feature a stellar roster: New Zealand's Hamish Kerr in the men's high jump, Dominica's Thea Lafond in the women's triple jump, Canada's Sarah Mitton in the women's shot put, and Australia's Nicola Olyslagers in the women's high jump. Additionally, Greece's Miltiadis Tentoglou and Burkina Faso's Hugues Fabrice Zango are set to contest the long jump and triple jump, respectively, as they defend their titles.
The track events are no less thrilling. The USA's Grant Holloway will defend his title in the men's 60-meter hurdles, while the Bahamas' Devynne Charlton and Ethiopia's Tsige Duguma aim to keep their crowns in the women's hurdles and 800 meters, respectively. Home crowd favorites include China's Olympic women's shot put gold medalist Gong Lijiao and Zhu Yaming, a two-time world champion in the men's triple jump, whose performances are eagerly awaited.
As the championships commence, sports enthusiasts and young global citizens around the world are set to witness a convergence of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled athletic talent that transcends borders.
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11 athletes defending titles at World Athletics Indoor Championships
cgtn.com
