Beijing Unveils Emblem, Mascot, and Slogan for 2027 World Athletics Championships

On 10 September, the one-year countdown event for the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 (WCH Beijing 27) took place at the Golden Hall of the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest. The event marked the official unveiling of the championship's emblem, mascot, and theme slogan, offering a distinct message from Beijing to the world.

The emblem, titled "Jing Yue," centers on the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character "Jing" (京), which represents the city. Drawing on the expressive charm of Chinese calligraphy, the design engraves Beijing's local identity and radiates the vibrant energy of athletics. The mascot, "Jing Yan," is inspired by "Yan'er," the mascot of the 2015 World Championships held in Beijing. Modeled after the Beijing swift, it symbolizes "the return of the swift after 12 years." The design subtly incorporates traditional Chinese kite patterns and the expressive eye makeup of Peking Opera, while a lightning-bolt dynamic adds a sense of speed. This blend of natural vitality, culture, art, and athletic competition not only nods to the 2015 edition but also brings 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.