At a one-year countdown event held on 10 September in the Golden Hall of the National Stadium, commonly known as the Bird's Nest, the organizers of the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 (WCH Beijing 27) unveiled the official emblem, mascot, and theme slogan. The event marks a significant milestone as Beijing prepares to welcome the world's top athletes for the championships scheduled from 10 to 19 September 2027.
The emblem, named "Jing Yue," centers on the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character for "Jing" (京), utilizing the expressive charm of Chinese calligraphy to engrave Beijing's local identity while radiating the vibrant energy of athletics. The mascot, "Jing Yan," is inspired by "Yan'er," the mascot from the 2015 edition of the championships. Modelled after the Beijing swift, it symbolizes "the return of the swift after 12 years." The design incorporates traditional Chinese kite patterns and the expressive eye makeup of Peking Opera, with a lightning-bolt dynamic adding a sense of speed. This blend of natural vitality, culture, art, and athletic competition nods to the 2015 event while bringing Beijing's rich cultural heritage vividly to life.
The theme slogan, "Every Step Counts," embodies the relentless competitive spirit that every step and every effort matters. It sends a warm yet resolute message to the world: on the road to excellence, every wholehearted effort holds extraordinary value.
In a video address, President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe noted that Beijing is the first city in the world to have successfully hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics, with a remarkable record of staging world-class events. He said the World Championships Beijing 2015 produced many iconic moments, and that World Athletics firmly believes China will stage the 2027 edition of the Championships to the highest possible standard and deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacular for audiences across the globe.
The World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 will be held at the National Stadium from 10 to 19 September 2027. More than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions will gather at the Bird's Nest for this grand athletics celebration. The unveiling of these symbols not only builds anticipation but also underscores Beijing's capability and commitment to hosting major international sporting events, reinforcing its status as a global sports hub. For the athletics world, this announcement signals a return to a venue rich with history and passion, promising a championships that will inspire athletes and fans alike. The event's success could further cement China's role in promoting global sports and foster international camaraderie through the universal language of athletics.
