CRI听力:World Athletics Championships Opens in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the World Athletics Championships open at a ceremony held at Beijing's iconic 'Bird's Nest', the National Stadium.

"I now declare the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing open!"

This year's world athletics championships, the largest in history, is the highest-ranking sports event held at the Bird's Nest since the 29th Summer Olympics was held there 7 years ago.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing as well as chairman of the organizing committee, expresses his best wishes to the event.

"We sincerely hope that the charm of this historical city will leave an unforgettable good memory for friends from countries and regions all over the world. Friends, welcome to Beijing!'

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, as well as the outgoing International Association of Athletics Federation President Lamine Diack, also attended the ceremony.

A number of top athletes including Jamaica's Usain Bolt will compete in the event.

David Oliver, the famous American hurdler, says he loves to compete at the Bird's Nest.

"It's good to be back in China. I've been here several times in this stadium competing. I've always had a good time. The Chinese public loved the hurdle, so I hope to go out there and give my good show starting next Wednesday."

In this year's event, 69 athletes will represent China, competing for 7 medals in 34 different events.

Zhang Guowei, who is set to compete in the men's high jump event, expresses his expectations.

"I hope to clear 2.34 to 2.35 meters during the event. I also expect to participate in the event in a healthy way, and give full play to the event in the Bird Nest."

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.