"I didn't meet the qualifying standard, but I'm grateful to be competing in Tokyo thanks to my world ranking points. This is a precious opportunity," Yanni said in an interview with World Athletics on 10/9.

Wu celebrates after setting a national record in the women's 60m hurdles in Nanjing, China on 23/3. Photo: Xinhua

On 5/9, World Athletics announced the official list for the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships. The Chinese athletics team will send 73 athletes—41 men and 32 women—to compete in Japan. Yanni is China's sole representative in the women's 100m hurdles. Although she didn't achieve the qualifying time of 12.73 seconds, she secured a spot in the top 40 through the ranking system.

"I was calm," the 28-year-old recalled the moment she learned she was going to Tokyo. "I told my team: 'If I'm in, I'll prepare my best; if not, I'll still train for the next competition.' I am very grateful for this opportunity."

The women's 100m hurdles field in Tokyo comprises 49 athletes, mostly from Europe and the US, regions renowned for their dominance in track and field. Yanni acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic. "I know there's a significant gap between me and the top athletes," she admitted. "But that doesn't intimidate me. What's truly daunting is recognizing the gap and not striving to close it. I see it as motivation. If they can achieve great results, I believe I can too."

The Chinese athlete believes a relaxed mindset will allow her to savor the experience rather than succumb to pressure. "This is my first world championship," she stated. "I'll give it my all, regardless of the outcome. Simply being here is a breakthrough."

Wu Yanni at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. Photo: Instagram / wuyanni_jennie

Wu Yanni has dominated domestically, winning the Chinese national title in the women's 100m hurdles six times: in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Her personal best of 12.74 seconds was set at the National Championships on 30/6/2024 in Rizhao, Shandong, China. This was also the best time in Asia for 2024.

Yanni ends a decade-long absence for China in the women's 100m hurdles at the world championships. The last Chinese athlete to compete in this event was Wu Shuijiao at the 2015 World Championships, where she finished with a time of 13.06 seconds in the semifinals, failing to reach the final.

Wu Yanni finished 11th out of 21 athletes in the repechage round of the women's 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: Xinhua

The 2025 World Athletics Championships will take place from 13/9 to 21/9 at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. The event features 49 disciplines, including track and field events, combined events, marathon, and race walking. It's considered a crucial precursor to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The women's 100m hurdles heats begin on the morning of 14/9 at 11:28 Tokyo time. The semifinals are scheduled for 21:05 the following day, culminating in the final on the evening of 15/9 at 22:20.

"I hope to beat my previous best of 12.80 seconds set in Tokyo last year. For me, surpassing myself is already a success," Yanni emphasized.

Hong Duy (Sina)