Nineteen elite Chinese track and field athletes, including nine Asian champions, are confirmed to participate in the 2026 Yangtze River Delta International Athletics Diamond Event (Shanghai/Shaoxing Keqiao), as announced by the organizers on May 9. The competition will take place on May 16 at the China Textile City Sports Center Stadium, promising a thrilling showdown for spectators.
In the highly anticipated men’s 100-meter race, Keqiao native Xie Zhenye will return for his ninth appearance at this event (including its predecessor, the Diamond League Shanghai leg). Xie, whose personal best of 9.97 seconds set in 2018 once broke the Asian record, remains the oldest member of Team China at 32 years old. His star power is expected to electrify the crowd.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Zhejiang rising star Chen Yujie will compete in the women’s 200 meters. The Ningbo native had a stellar 2025 season, winning gold in the women’s 200 meters and 4×100 meter relay at the Asian Championships, as well as the 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the National Games. Her remarkable achievements at such a young age have earned her nicknames like “Little Supergirl” and “Little Flying Human.” Competing on home soil in Zhejiang, she is poised to deliver an impressive performance for local fans.
Additionally, Zhejiang athlete Li Jieheng, who recently broke the national record in the men’s 800 meters at the National Games, will seek further breakthroughs. The China Textile City Sports Center Stadium may witness the birth of another national record.
