On 10 September 2026, the one-year countdown to the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 (WCH Beijing 27) commenced with a ceremony at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest. The event unveiled the championships' emblem, mascot, and theme slogan, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the global athletics showcase scheduled for 10–19 September 2027.
The emblem, titled "Jing Yue," features the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character for "Jing" (京), blending calligraphic artistry with athletic dynamism. The mascot, "Jing Yan," draws inspiration from "Yan'er," the mascot of the 2015 championships, and is modeled after the Beijing swift. Its design incorporates traditional kite patterns, Peking Opera eye makeup, and a lightning-bolt motif to convey speed. The theme slogan, "Every Step Counts," underscores the value of perseverance and effort in the pursuit of excellence.
In a video address, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe highlighted Beijing's unique status as the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, and its proven track record of staging world-class events. He expressed confidence that China will deliver an exceptional championships in 2027, building on the iconic moments of the 2015 edition. The event will bring together more than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions.
The unveiling carries implications beyond symbolism. It reinforces Beijing's capacity to host major international sporting events and elevates the city's profile as a global sports hub. The championships are expected to boost local tourism, engage millions of athletics fans worldwide, and inspire a new generation of athletes in China and beyond. The event also aligns with broader efforts to promote sports development and cultural exchange, as evidenced by the integration of traditional Chinese elements into the championships' branding.
For World Athletics, the Beijing 27 championships represent a key opportunity to expand the sport's global reach, particularly in Asia. The one-year countdown serves as a rallying point for organizers, athletes, and fans, building anticipation for what promises to be a landmark event. As preparations accelerate, the world's attention will turn to Beijing, where the Bird's Nest will once again host history in the making.
For more information, visit the World Athletics website. The official hashtags for the event are #WCHBeijing27 and #EveryStepCounts.
