Under a bright June morning, some 500 participants gathered on the central avenue linking the Chinese mainland capital’s iconic Dual Olympic venues—the National Stadium (the “Bird’s Nest”) and National Aquatics Center (the “Water Cube”)—for a 4.5 km run. This event was one of dozens held nationwide to warm up for Olympic Day on June 23.
The loop started and finished close to the Beijing Olympic Museum, offering participants a chance to soak in the city’s sports legacy. For many, including former triathlete Wang Shuchuan, it was also a moment to inspire a broader community.
Former triathlete Wang Shuchuan arrived early to film a new vlog. ‘I kept exercising and participating in marathon events after my athletic career. I hope to lead more people to join in sporting events through my videos and enlarge our running community,’ he said.
The race also drew international faces like Italy’s Paola Marras, who’s been working in Beijing since the 2022 Winter Olympics. ‘I work in Beijing. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, I watched competitions on TV. The sports atmosphere here is electric, and I’ve become a fan of the China Open tennis tournament,’ she added.
Olympic champions Ma Long and Zhang Yufei joined the celebration, sending video messages to fellow sports lovers. ‘Physical exercise is relevant to health. I can feel the public’s enthusiasm for sports. The outstanding performance of athletes from the Chinese mainland on the international stage inspired more people to get involved. Doing exercise is a lifelong hobby. I hope people can find the sports they love and practice in a healthy and scientific way,’ said Ma Long, the Chinese mainland’s most decorated Olympian with six gold medals.
Swimming star Zhang Yufei reflected on her Olympic journey: ‘At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, I might not have fully understood the significance of Olympics for athletes. Then, after winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, I felt the power of our teamwork. Last year at the Paris Olympics, I realized that even though I had made the utmost efforts, it was still hard to get corresponding rewards. That is sports. But what remains unchanged is that the Olympic Spirit leads me to pursue my next goal,’ she said.
Established in 1948, Olympic Day marks the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and celebrates sports and healthy living worldwide. From grassroots events to elite competitions, the day reminds young global citizens that the Olympic Spirit thrives in every community.
Reference(s):
Olympic Day prefaced in China with series of fitness-for-all events
cgtn.com
