China sees major breakthrough at Beijing athletics world championships
China sees major breakthrough at Beijing athletics world championships
Chinese athletes have cast off the shadow of star hurdler Liu Xiang's retirement to restate the country's challenge to world powers in track and field.
China saw breakthrough performances at the World Athletics Championships, which ended in Beijing on Sunday evening, scooping nine medals including one gold, seven silvers and one bronze.
The sad memory of Liu withdrawing from the 110-meter hurdles final at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 was erased in the Bird's Nest stadium on Saturday when China took the silver medal in the men's 4x100m relay.
"We are excited to see more-balanced progress achieved by China at the World Championships, showcased by podium finishes in all four disciplines of walking, running and jumping as well as throwing, for the first time in the history of Chinese athletics," said Du Zhaocai.
The International Association of Athletics Federations council member and director of the Chinese Athletics Association, made the comments at a news conference on Sunday.
