The emblem, mascot, and theme slogan of the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 (WCH Beijing 27) were officially unveiled on 10 September 2026 at the one-year countdown event held in the Golden Hall of the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. The reveal marks a major milestone in the lead-up to the global athletics spectacle scheduled for September 2027.
The three identity elements — the emblem "Jing Yue", the mascot "Jing Yan", and the theme slogan "Every Step Counts" — were presented to an enthusiastic audience, each conveying Beijing's unique cultural heritage and the spirit of athletic competition.
Highlights
- Emblem "Jing Yue" — centred on the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character "京" (Jing), blending Chinese calligraphy with athletic energy
- Mascot "Jing Yan" — modelled after the Beijing swift bird, symbolising "the return of the swift after 12 years" since the 2015 edition
- Theme slogan "Every Step Counts" — embodies the spirit that every effort on the road to excellence holds extraordinary value
- Event dates: 10–19 September 2027 at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Beijing
- Scale: More than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions
The Emblem: "Jing Yue"
The emblem "Jing Yue" draws its central design from the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character "京" (Jing), which means "capital" — Beijing's shorthand name. The design channels the expressive charm of Chinese calligraphy, engraving Beijing's local identity while radiating the vibrant energy of athletics.
The emblem captures the essence of Beijing as both a historic capital and a modern sporting city, bridging thousands of years of cultural heritage with the dynamic spirit of world-class competition.
The Mascot: "Jing Yan"
The mascot "Jing Yan" draws inspiration from "Yan'er", the mascot of the 2015 World Athletics Championships held in Beijing. Modelled after the Beijing swift (a bird species native to the region), the mascot symbolises "the return of the swift after 12 years".
The design incorporates several traditional Chinese cultural elements:
- Traditional Chinese kite patterns — woven into the body design
- Peking Opera eye makeup — adding artistic expression and cultural depth
- Lightning-bolt dynamic elements — conveying speed and athletic power
The mascot seamlessly blends natural vitality, culture, art, and athletic competition. It pays homage to the 2015 edition while bringing Beijing's rich cultural heritage vividly to life for a new generation of fans and athletes.
Theme Slogan: "Every Step Counts"
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.
The slogan resonates beyond athletics, carrying a universal message about perseverance, dedication, and the significance of incremental progress — values that define both sport and life.
Beijing's Remarkable Sporting Legacy
In his video address, President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe highlighted Beijing's unique position in global sports history. 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.
Coe noted that the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015 produced many iconic moments, and that World Athletics firmly believes China will stage the 2027 edition to the highest possible standard and deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacular for audiences across the globe.
What to Expect in 2027
The World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 will be held at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) from 10 to 19 September 2027. The event will feature:
- 2,000+ athletes from over 200 countries and regions
- Competition across all track and field disciplines
- A global celebration of athletics at one of the world's most iconic sporting venues
- A showcase of Beijing's cultural heritage alongside world-class sporting performance
The Bird's Nest, originally built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, will once again serve as the stage for a major global athletics event, reinforcing Beijing's status as one of the world's premier sporting cities.
Key Takeaways
- WCH Beijing 27 emblem "Jing Yue" features the Temple of Heaven and Chinese calligraphy, blending tradition with athletic energy
- Mascot "Jing Yan" is a Beijing swift bird with traditional kite patterns and Peking Opera elements, paying tribute to the 2015 edition
- Slogan "Every Step Counts" carries a universal message about perseverance and the value of every effort
- Beijing is the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympics, reinforcing its sporting credentials
- The championships will bring 2,000+ athletes from 200+ countries to the Bird's Nest in September 2027
Source: Media OutReach Newswire, World Athletics | Penulis: Dana Putra
