Yan throws down the gauntlet

Other notable leading lights on China's world championships roster include women's veteran shot put thrower Gong Lijiao, men's Asian triple jump record-holder Wu Ruiting and women's reigning Olympic champion race walker Yang Jiayu.

Gong, who won her first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020, said she looks forward to returning to her happy hunting ground with a more relaxed mindset this time around.

"I am just enjoying my career at the moment and trying to represent my country at the highest level for as long as I can," said the 36-year-old, who won back-to-back worlds titles in 2017 and 2019.

Despite Yan's absence in javelin, 17-year-old sprinter Chen Yujie is expected to step up to represent the nation's young talent, as the 100m and 200m runner looks to showcase the fast progress China's next generation of racers has made.

"I am a bit nervous for my first world championships, which I think it's normal for a young athlete like me," said Chen, who is eligible to compete in Tokyo having met the 16-year-old age benchmark for track disciplines.

"Supported by more advanced training methods, more scientifically effective rehab and a healthy competition with teammates, I expect to present the powerful and beautiful image of China's younger generation on the world stage," said Chen, who is set to run the 200m and 4x100m relay in Tokyo.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn