Sports stars hit up the year's biggest track and field event

The Shanghai Golden Grand Prix, China’s premier track and field event, returns with a roster of superstar athletes from around the world for the fifth year in a row. The possibility of seeing record-breaking sporting feats is expected to draw the event’s biggest ever crowd on September 20.

With some of the sport’s most famous athletes slated to attend, anticipation among Shanghai fans will be high. Will sprinter Usain Bolt continue his dominance coming off a record breaking performance at this year’s world championships? And, more importantly, will Shanghai’s not so-golden boy, hurdler Liu Xiang, overcome his injury to make a triumphant hometown return?

World-class athletes, like world record holder pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and hurdler Dayron Robles, are certain to draw even the most casual fans to the event. “In the past, if you wanted to watch a real world class track and field competition, you would have to sit in front of the television at two o’clock in the morning,” said Mary Gu, the event’s general manager. “Now it is in your hometown and you can go to the stadium to watch a world class event live.”

For one hometown boy, the suspense surrounding his participation remains. Gu has been in close contact with Liu Xiang’s coach. “We know that he would like to compete, but he is supposed to have another medical check-up in two weeks time. After that, we will know if he is medically fit to compete.”

But even if Liu Xiang doesn’t show, Gu says that education about athletics has helped the sport finally gain popularity in China. “Paying money to see athletics is still a new concept in Shanghai. But, over the years, we have been training the crowd on how they should enjoy track and field competitions, just like they learned how to enjoy the city’s major golf and tennis events. So, we are expecting to have a very good turnout.”

Spectators looking to see new records might be disappointed though. “I don’t think many records will be broken. The event is at the end of the season and most athletes peaked at the World Championships,” says a China national team sprinter, who declined to give his name due the team’s media restrictions. Nevertheless, he said that the event is important in further popularizing the sport in China.

In the midst of a recession, however, ticket prices for the event could keep some spectators away, but organizers are offering special deals. To purchase tickets, check out the website or head to the Shanghai Stadium box office.

Jordan Calinoff

Details
When: Sunday, Sept. 20
Where: Shanghai Stadium
Web: www.shggp.com
Cost: RMB60-1380

Do you think Liu Xiang will show up or disappoint the home team again? Take a vote below!