On 7th September 2025, the World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold Label) Beijing leg drew to a spectacular close at the National Olympic Sports Centre. Serving as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, the meet attracted top athletes from across the world, with over 100 competitors from more than 20 countries and regions vying for honours.
Two students from the School of Sports Science and Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology - Chao DING and Yue PAN - competed together. In the women's 100-metre final, Yue achieved an outstanding time of 11.51 seconds, once again setting a new personal best of her and securing sixth place. Following this breakthrough, her domestic season ranking rose to ninth position. Representing ECUST students on the track at an international competition for the first time, I felt both honoured and thrilled. Competing alongside the world's elite not only provided invaluable experience but also clearly revealed areas for improvement. This represents an invaluable learning opportunity for my future training and development, Yue shared with evident excitement after the race. Chao also delivered an outstanding performance, securing eighth place in the women's 100 metres, showcasing the competitive spirit and athletic calibre of ECUST students.
In August 2025, Yue earned her first call-up to the Chinese national athletics team through outstanding performances, joining the women's 4x100-metre relay squad. She will compete with the team at the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. From rigorous training to representing her nation on the global stage, this honour stands as both the finest recognition of her relentless dedication throughout the first half of the year and a testament to her steadfast strides towards realising her athletics aspirations.
Let us look forward to Yue's outstanding performance at the Tokyo World Championships, while also wishing ECUST continued success in nurturing exceptional sporting talent to carry forward China's strength and the spirit of ECUST on the global stage. May Yue PAN and Chao DING continue to surpass themselves in future competitions, achieving even greater glory.
