The Su God of the Reopening of the Sports Arena

Chapter 2458 Historical Timelines Overlap! The Battle at the Bird's Nest is About to Begin

China Sports Channel.

evening.

When the time on the electronic screen jumps to 18:02.

The sports channel signal switched to the opening ceremony special program of the 2015 Beijing World Athletics Championships on time. Without any extra setup, a 30-second opening sequence of the event theme burst through the screen like a thunderclap, instantly pulling the audience into the atmosphere of this international athletics extravaganza.

The background music is a theme song specially customized for this World Championships. It begins with the bright sound of the trumpet, like the prelude to the starting gun on the track. Then, the bass drum and brass instruments intertwine, and the rhythm suddenly speeds up. Every note is like the rapid heartbeat of an athlete running, powerfully impacting the listener's eardrums. It carries the unique tension of a sporting event and is also full of the warm atmosphere of the host country welcoming guests from all over the world.

The opening sequence uses a fast-cut technique, switching between at least two shots per second, with each frame embodying the power and beauty of track and field.

The first image to catch the eye is a classic moment from the 2009 Berlin World Championships men's 9-meter final: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, in his yellow jersey, arms outstretched like a soaring eagle, leans slightly forward as he crosses the finish line. The timer freezes on the screen at 55 seconds, the jubilant crowd in the background contrasting sharply with his triumphant smile, as if one could hear the deafening cheers from the stadium through the screen. The camera then shifts to Suarez in Daegu in 2011, his steady strides, precise and powerful arm swings, eyes fixed on the track ahead, sweat streaming down his face without affecting his rhythm. The image of him waving his national flag as he crosses the finish line, juxtaposed with the fluttering Chinese national flag, instantly igniting a sense of national pride in the audience.

The camera then quickly flashed across Liu Xiang's agile hurdling in the men's 110-meter hurdles, Gong Lijiao's powerful shot put, and Li Jinzhe's soaring arc in the long jump... These highlights of Chinese athletics and classic images of international superstars appeared alternately, as if weaving a track and field scroll that transcends time and space, showcasing the global appeal of the sport and paving the way for the growth of Chinese athletics on the world stage.

In the final 5 seconds of the opening sequence, all images gradually fade out, eventually merging into the official logo of this World Championships.

The running human figure outlined in red lines is integrated with the words "Beijing 2015" in the background, with the silhouette of the Bird's Nest stadium in the background. At the climax of the theme song, the emblem is fixed in the center of the screen, announcing the official start of the event.

After the opening credits.

The camera switched from quick cut mode to a panoramic shot.

The camera slowly descends, finally focusing on the central broadcasting area inside the Bird's Nest stadium. Host Yang Jian, dressed in a dark gray suit with a white shirt and a dark blue striped tie, looked simple yet formal, but his excitement and anticipation were undeniable. He stood before a red-carpeted stage, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, offering views of the Bird's Nest's iconic steel structure.

The interlacing silver steel frame, like the arms of a giant, embraces the entire venue. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the steel frame, casting dappled shadows on the ground, revealing the building's industrial beauty while adding a touch of warmth.

Yang Jian picked up the microphone and first greeted the camera with a warm smile. His voice, clear and magnetic, came through the microphone: "Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the China Sports Channel. We are currently at the Beijing National Stadium, the 'Bird's Nest,' bringing you a special program for the opening ceremony of the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Athletics!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the camera panned to a panoramic view of the stands: there was still some time before the opening ceremony officially began, but nearly half of the audience had already taken their seats. Most of them were wearing brightly colored clothes, some were holding signs that read "Go World Championships!" and "China will win!", some were exchanging their expectations for the event, and children were perched on their parents' shoulders, curiously looking at this "sports palace" that had once hosted the Olympics.

Relaxing background music played on a loop over the loudspeaker, interspersed with the sounds of audience conversations and laughter, as well as staff guiding people to their seats; everything seemed lively yet orderly.

After all, we've had experience with this before.

Our country's learning ability and organizational skills.

There's never anything to say about it.

The cautiousness of 08 is long gone.

They became more adept at it.

"Many viewers, like me, may feel a sense of familiarity yet strangeness standing here."

Yang Jian's voice rang out again, and the camera switched back to a close-up of him. His gaze was fixed on the interior of the venue outside the window, and his tone was tinged with emotion.

"What's familiar is that we've returned to the Bird's Nest—the place that witnessed countless miracles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. What's unfamiliar is that this time, the Bird's Nest will host the highest-level track and field competition, where track and field athletes from all over the world will compete and write new legends."

To allow viewers to more intuitively grasp the importance of the event, the camera then switched to the center of the field.

Staff are busy making final preparations, and the green track and field is like a huge piece of jade inlaid in the center of the field.

The white lane lines on the runway are clear and straight.

The red carpet at the finish line has been laid out, and the podium on the north side of the field is decorated with gold ribbons and the IAAF flag is hung above it.

Everything looked exceptionally vibrant under the sunlight.

Yang Jian continued, "As the first top-level international sporting event held in Beijing since the 2008 Olympics, this World Athletics Championships has attracted global attention. From preparation to the present, the Bird's Nest has undergone a series of renovations and upgrades. Whether it is the material of the track, the view from the stands, or the sound and lighting equipment in the stadium, it has reached the highest standards of the IAAF, all to provide athletes with the best competitive environment and spectators with the best viewing experience."

At this point, the camera panned across the details inside the venue.

Each seat in the stands was equipped with a competition handbook and a small national flag, and electronic screens on both sides of the aisle displayed a list of participating countries and regions.

The volunteers, dressed in blue uniforms and smiling, provided guidance to the audience. These small details not only demonstrated the host's dedication but also made the audience feel the professionalism of the event.

World Championship.

itself.

It is also an opportunity to showcase one's country's comprehensive capabilities and overall quality.

Our country is absolutely an expert in this area.

"Starting tomorrow, for the next 10 days, this place will become a paradise for track and field enthusiasts." Yang Jian's tone gradually became more excited, and he raised his right hand, making a cheering gesture.

"We will see if Suarez and Bolt can continue their 'flying man' myth, we will see if Chinese athletes can make breakthroughs in race walking, sprinting, jumping and other events, and we will see the purest charm of track and field - the spirit of challenging oneself and surpassing limits."

"So, please join us on the China Sports Channel for the rest of the time, and witness this grand event for track and field!"

Having said what needed to be said.

The camera suddenly zooms out.

Yang Jian said with a smile, "And this time at the World Championships, a heavyweight guest will be joining me as a commentator."

The lighting in the central studio of the Bird's Nest suddenly underwent a subtle change.

The main light that was originally shining on the host Yang Jian quietly shifted to a warm golden beam, which slowly moved toward the glass door on the right side of the studio.

The frosted glass door, which had been standing quietly in the background, was now gently pushed open by a hand with distinct knuckles.

The subtle sound of the door hinge turning was captured by the microphone.

It was transmitted to millions of viewers via television signal.

The atmosphere inside and outside the studio instantly became tense.

The first to react were the spectators. Several track and field enthusiasts sitting in the front row stared at the figure at the entrance for a couple of seconds, then one of them suddenly gripped the event booklet in his hand and whispered the name "Liu Xiang".

The exclamation spread rapidly throughout the audience like a pebble thrown into a lake, and the murmurs quickly turned into cheers. Some people even stood up from their seats and waved their arms toward the glass doors.

Even the staff who were debugging the equipment couldn't help but stop what they were doing and look up at the gradually clearing figure.

After all, it's the name Liu Xiang.

In the hearts of these generations in the country.

Its influence is enormous.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was the number one track and field athlete before.

The number of fans is simply phenomenal.

The camera was now fully focused on the doorway—

Liu Xiang was standing in the center of the doorway. His charcoal gray suit was a typical Italian cut, with clean but not tight shoulder lines, which perfectly accentuated his tall and straight figure honed through years of exercise.

His bangs were neatly combed but not rigidly, and sunlight streamed through the studio windows, casting a light golden sheen on the ends of his hair.

The tiny scars left at the corners of his eyes from hurdle training are almost invisible under the warm light, leaving only his eyes still bright, reflecting his familiarity with the venue.

"Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome Liu Xiang, the legend of Chinese athletics!"

Yang Jian's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement. He had already put down the microphone and stood up to greet Liu Xiang, his right hand slightly open, clearly intending to give him a sincere hug. Seeing this, Liu Xiang quickened his pace and stepped forward, firmly grasping Sha Tong's hands.

"Brother Yang Jian, long time no see." Liu Xiang's voice was more relaxed than in the interview in front of the camera, with a slight Shanghai accent at the end, gentle yet powerful.

He no longer possesses the same sharpness he had as an athlete.

It felt warmer and more gentle.

“Every time I come to the Bird’s Nest, it’s different, but every time I come, my heart still races.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the cheers from the audience reached another climax, with some even shouting "Go Liu Xiang!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiang immediately released Sha Tong's hand, turned around and bowed deeply towards the audience. When he stood up, he even waved with a smile, just like when he greeted the audience after winning the championship years ago. Only this time, his smile had more composure and peace.

After the cheers subsided a bit, Yang Jian smiled and patted Liu Xiang on the shoulder: "Sit down, let's not talk about past glories today, let's talk about the upcoming competitions - everyone is particularly eager to hear what different highlights there are from the perspective of the 'Flying Man' at this World Championships."

"Actually, I was quite nervous before I came," he suddenly said, his tone carrying a hint of candid teasing.

“Before, I was wearing spikes to prepare for the start at the Bird’s Nest. Today, I’m wearing a suit to prepare for speaking. It feels even more challenging than running the 110-meter hurdles.” This remark made Yang Jian laugh out loud, instantly easing the atmosphere in the studio. Laughter also came from the audience. The sense of distance that was originally caused by his “legendary” status was instantly dissolved by this down-to-earth honesty.

Yang Jian leaned closer to the microphone and officially began the pre-race analysis: "First of all, I'd like to ask you, the men's 100-meter event at this World Championships is probably the biggest focus. Our China has Su Shen competing, and he's grouped with many international stars. What do you think of his performance this time?" As soon as he finished speaking, the large screen behind the studio lit up, and the image switched to Su Shen's profile page—on the left was a graph of his recent competition results.

On the right is the group list for the men's 100 meters, with the names of famous athletes such as Bolt and Gatlin prominently listed. Suarez's name is marked in red, clearly showing which group and lane he is in.

Liu Xiang's gaze was immediately drawn to the large screen. He leaned forward slightly and pointed to the performance curve on the screen: "Look at this line. It didn't jump up suddenly. It rose slowly step by step. This shows that Su Shen's progress is solid and not just luck."

His tone was firm, and his eyes showed his approval of the younger generation.

“When I was training in hurdles, I knew that the worst thing in sprinting is to ‘force growth.’ Every 0.01-second breakthrough is the result of thousands of starts and tens of thousands of arm swings. The fact that Su Shen has been able to win almost a grand slam of sprinting honors in the past few years shows that his technique and strength reserves have reached the world’s strongest level.”

"If not, there should still be Bolt."

"I would say that no one in this era can compete with him."

"Any other opinions?"

"No, his level is extremely high now. In fact, if we only look at the sport, he has already surpassed my achievements back then. Facing one of the strongest players in human history..."

Liu Xiang smiled.

That's all I can say.

"Just trust him."

"Of course, if we can lend him everyone's good luck before the competition, so that he can defeat strong opponents at the Bird's Nest."

"That would be perfect."

These words brought tears to the eyes of many longtime fans of the game.

Many memories immediately flooded my mind.

After discussing the men's 100 meters, Yang Jian shifted the topic to China's strong event – ​​women's race walking: "Liu Hong is one of the favorites to win the women's 20km race walk this time. What do you think of her competitiveness?" The screen then switched to Liu Hong's information. On the left were her results from her three previous World Championships, with two silver medals and one bronze medal. On the right was her technical analysis chart, which marked her stride frequency, stride length, and arm swing angle. Each of these data points was close to the "optimal standard" for race walking.

After all, these people have the ability to win the championship.

It's perfectly normal to bring it up separately.

It's impossible to cover everything when you're already on a show.

Let's talk about the person who is most likely to win the championship.

That's also the most normal thing to do.

Liu Xiang's expression became more serious. Looking at the technical analysis chart on the big screen, he spoke with utmost professionalism: "Race walking is different from sprinting. It's not about explosive power, but a combination of endurance and technique. Even a slight deviation can result in a foul, so 'stability' is the most important thing. Liu Hong's greatest strength is that she can maintain her technical movements throughout the entire race—look at this arm swing angle, from the start to the finish line, it hardly changes. This is muscle memory formed through years of training, and it's the key to her not making mistakes in high-intensity competitions."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, she has a very mature mindset. I remember at the 2013 Moscow World Championships, she was overtaken by her opponent in the final stages and won the silver medal. She didn't complain; instead, she said, 'I'll do better next time.' This ability to learn from setbacks is so important for athletes. Competing on home soil this time, although there's pressure, there's even more motivation. With her current form, she has a real chance of winning the gold medal."

As they spoke, the big screen played another video of Liu Hong's pre-competition training: she was moving at a steady pace on the track, her arms swinging back and forth with precision, her steps landing lightly and steadily, and the coach following behind her would occasionally remind her to adjust her rhythm with a walkie-talkie, but she would just nod slightly and her steps would not stop at all.

Liu Xiang watched the video with a gratified smile: "Look at her focus during training. She only has eyes for the track ahead. That's the 'champion' look—no matter who the opponent is, do your job well first, and then wait for the result."

Of course, they even invited Liu Xiang over.

Then it's impossible not to mention a project.

Yang Jian suddenly posed a question that the audience was very interested in: "As a former hurdler, what are your thoughts on the men's 110-meter hurdles at this World Championships? Are there any athletes you are particularly following?"

The large screen then switched to the list of participants for the men's 110-meter hurdles, which included the names of famous athletes such as Merritt and Richardson, as well as information on Chinese athlete Xie Wenjun.

Henry Lau's gaze lingered on the list for a long time, his fingers lightly tapping the table of the studio, as if recalling his own competition back then: "The 110-meter hurdles is a very 'grueling' event. You need both the explosive power of a sprinter and the rhythm of hurdling. If you don't clear one hurdle well, the whole competition is ruined."

He looked at the athletes' names, his tone tinged with emotion, "Merritt has great explosive power and is fast at clearing hurdles, but he sometimes loses his rhythm in the last few hurdles; Richardson has a good sense of rhythm, but his starting reaction is not as good as Merritt's. They each have their advantages, and the competition will depend on who can maximize their strengths."

When Xie Wenjun was mentioned, his tone became more expectant: "A-Jun is a very hardworking athlete. Over the years, he has been improving his hurdle technique, gradually transforming from 'hurdling' to 'running hurdles,' which is a great improvement. But what he lacks now is experience in major competitions, especially in such a high-profile setting. Whether he can withstand the pressure and perform at his best will be key to his success in this competition. I hope he can compete freely, and no matter the result, it will be a learning experience."

"Of course."

"If we can win a medal at the Bird's Nest."

"I think that's what he most wanted to achieve."

“In recent years, the overall level of the 110-meter hurdles has actually declined slightly compared to my time.”

"Therefore, his result is not entirely hopeless."

"However, it still depends on his performance in major competitions. There are many athletes who have enough overall strength this season, but they fail to perform in competitions, which is a pity."

Liu Xiang himself is a big-game player.

He certainly knows how important it is to perform well in the competition. Otherwise, no matter how well you perform in the smaller matches...

It's not as impressive as a single shot in a major competition.

Throughout the analysis process, Liu Xiang rarely referred to the prepared script. Most of the time, he looked at the images on the big screen and spoke eloquently, drawing on his own experience.

When encountering technical terms, he would deliberately slow down his speech and explain them in more colloquial language—for example, when talking about "step frequency," he would describe it as "a few steps per second."

When discussing various hurdle techniques, he would demonstrate the movements of "lifting the leg, clearing the hurdle, and landing" to help the audience understand more intuitively. Occasionally, when encountering uncertain data, he would turn to ask the staff around him, speaking humbly and without any airs of being a "legend."

Yang Jian glanced at the time and said with a smile, "We've been chatting for so long, let's hear what the audience has to say—director, could you cut to a few shots of audience interviews?"

The camera immediately switched from the studio to the audience, first focusing on a group of students in school uniforms. They held up hand-painted signs that read "Go Su Shen!" and had small national flags on their faces, looking exceptionally energetic.

"Hey student, can you tell me which event you're most looking forward to at this World Championships?" came the voice of a reporter at the scene.

One of the girls, with a ponytail, immediately raised her hand and said in a clear voice, "I'm most looking forward to the men's 100 meters! I want to see just how fast Bolt is, and I also want to cheer for Su Shen!"

The boy next to them added, "I'm also looking forward to the women's race walking, and I hope Sister Liu Hong can win the gold medal!" Their answers were full of childlike sincerity.

This made Liu Xiang in the studio burst into laughter.

There might have been prior rehearsals, but I believe these words and these answers...

This is absolutely what the vast majority of Chinese people genuinely want to say.

The camera then focused on a middle-aged couple who were taking pictures of each other.

“We came all the way from Shanghai, specifically to see Liu Xiang and Su Shen.” His wife said with a smile, “We couldn’t get tickets for the 2008 Olympics, but this time our dream has finally come true. No matter who wins, we’ll be very satisfied to be able to watch a top-level track and field competition live.”

The husband pointed to the track in the distance: "I used to train in sprinting when I was young, and I know how tough it is to be an athlete. I came here today to cheer them on. Whether they are Chinese or foreign athletes, as long as they give it their all, they deserve respect."

There was also an elderly man with gray hair, holding a yellowed track and field commemorative booklet with a poster of the 2004 Athens Olympics on the cover—the very year Liu Xiang won the gold medal. "I've been following Liu Xiang for over ten years, ever since he first won the world championship."

The old man's voice was a little hoarse, but exceptionally firm. "Seeing him sitting in the studio today made me especially happy, like watching my own child grow up. I hope that at this World Championships, more young people will be like him and bring glory to Chinese athletics."

Hear this.

Liu Xiang himself...

They were all a little choked up.

“Actually, I am always very moved when I see audience members like this. When I was injured, many people supported me. Even though I didn’t achieve good results, they didn’t give up on me. Now, as I sit in the studio, I want to pass on that support and let more people pay attention to track and field and these hardworking athletes.”

After each interview segment, the camera cuts back to the studio, allowing Liu Xiang and Yang Jian to share their feelings.

When Liu Xiang saw the students holding up signs with Usain Bolt's name on them, he couldn't help but joke, "Looks like Bolt is more popular than me!" He then added seriously.

"However, I hope that in addition to paying attention to superstars like Bolt and Suarez, and to 'familiar faces' like myself, everyone will also give more applause to the young athletes. For example, Wang Jianan, who is participating in the men's long jump, and Lü Huihui, who is participating in the women's javelin throw, are all very promising athletes. They may not be famous now, but they might surprise everyone this time."

Yang Jian glanced at the clock above the studio and said to the camera, "Ladies and gentlemen, there are less than ten minutes left before the opening ceremony officially begins. Now let's turn our attention to the center of the field—the countdown device is ready, and a grand event for track and field is about to begin!"

The camera then switched from the studio to the center of the Bird's Nest stadium: the area that was originally covered with green grass was now illuminated by a huge LED screen displaying the number "10" surrounded by red light strips.

Like a burning runway.

The stands around the venue were already full, and everyone was looking towards the LED screen.

Some people started quietly counting down along with the numbers on the screen.

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Liu Xiang stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the studio, looking towards the center of the venue. The sunlight had already set, and all the lights inside the Bird's Nest were on, with colorful beams of light intertwining across the space, creating a dreamlike spectacle.

"it's beautiful."

He sighed softly, his voice filled with a deep affection for the place.

Despite having received many honors.

But he didn't win a gold medal for everyone at the Bird's Nest; he won one right at his doorstep.

It's probably a regret he'll never be able to erase for the rest of his life.

"I hope the upcoming matches will live up to the beauty of this venue and the expectations of so many spectators." Yang Jian walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder.

As the lifting device above the main stage slowly descended, the two silver flagpoles gleamed coldly under the lights. The staff who had been waiting nearby quickly stepped forward and took the flag from the honor guard.

At this moment, all the lights in the venue went out, with only two spotlights firmly fixed on the flagpole and the flag, maximizing the solemnity of the entire ceremony. As the first staff member secured the flag corner to the flagpole, the prelude to the IAAF anthem suddenly filled the venue.

The melody begins with the violin, soothing yet solemn, followed by the cello and brass instruments, gradually deepening in tone, as if recounting a century of track and field history, or offering blessings to the athletes about to take the stage.

Everyone stood at attention spontaneously—the IAAF official sitting in the front row of the stands adjusted his suit collar and looked solemnly at the flag.

The volunteers on the sidelines put down their signs and let their hands hang naturally at their sides; even the children who were just playing around were gently held down by their parents and quietly watched the main stage.

The camera slowly panned across the crowd, finally settling on the faces of several young athletes.

Led by Su Shen, the young sprinters from the Chinese Athletics Team clenched their fists and stared intently at the rising flag, their eyes filled with both awe for the stage and anticipation for the competition over the next ten days.

The foreign athletes next to them nodded gently to the melody of the anthem, their fingers tapping unconsciously on their thighs, as if silently encouraging themselves.

The flag rose slowly to the strains of the music, and with each inch it rose, the atmosphere in the venue became more solemn.

As the flag rises to the top of the flagpole and unfurls fully in the night wind, the anthem reaches its climax. The timbres of all the instruments intertwine, creating a powerful force that seems to etch the spirit of track and field—"challenging limits and surpassing oneself"—into everyone's heart.

The spotlight slowly went out, and the lights in the stadium came back on. A round of applause broke out in the stands, which gradually grew into a long and enthusiastic cheer – a recognition of the ceremony and a blessing for all the athletes.

When the chairman of the Beijing World Championships organizing committee walked onto the main stage and took the microphone, the venue instantly fell silent.

"Distinguished guests, athletes, and dear audience members."

His voice, carried by the speakers, resonated throughout every corner of the Bird's Nest, conveying the warmth and sincerity of the host.

"After months of preparation, the opening ceremony of the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Athletics has come to a successful conclusion!"

As soon as he finished speaking, cheers erupted again from the stands. The chairman smiled and gestured for everyone to quiet down, continuing, "For the next ten days, the Bird's Nest will be the focus of track and field enthusiasts worldwide. We will witness countless exciting moments and see athletes striving for their dreams. I look forward to every athlete performing at their best here and creating their own miracles. I also hope that this event will inspire more people to fall in love with track and field and spread the spirit of sports to every corner of the world!"

His speech was brief yet powerful. When he finished speaking, "Let us look forward to the exciting competition to come," golden ribbons suddenly shot out from both sides of the main stage. The ribbons spread out in the air, like stars falling on the audience.

The children excitedly reached out to take it, while the adults took out their phones to record this heartwarming and joyful moment.

The chairman waved to the audience amidst a shower of confetti, then turned and walked off the stage, marking the official end of the opening ceremony.

The camera cut back to the central studio of the Bird's Nest on time. The lighting in the studio had been adjusted to be softer, and Sha Tong sat back down at the podium, with the screen in front of him replaying the footage of the flag-raising ceremony.

"Welcome back to the studio, everyone." Yang Jian picked up the microphone, his voice still carrying the excitement of the ceremony.

"During the flag-raising ceremony just now, I wonder if everyone felt as moved as I did—watching the flag unfurl above the Bird's Nest felt like seeing the future of track and field, full of hope."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Xiang, who was sitting next to him, nodded slightly and took over the conversation: "Actually, I also stood at attention in the studio just now."

He smiled and said with a touch of emotion in his eyes, "Returning to the Bird's Nest again, from the old track to the current commentary booth, my role has changed, but my feelings for this venue have not changed, and I still feel particularly passionate. When I saw the way those young athletes stared at the flag just now, I was reminded of my first time participating in the World Championships. I was just like that, both nervous and expectant, always thinking about proving myself on this stage."

Following up on his words, Yang Jian asked, "Looking back on the entire opening ceremony, what was the part that impressed you the most?"

Liu Xiang did not answer immediately, but instead looked up at the large screen behind the studio—the screen was automatically playing highlights of the opening ceremony, from the countdown fireworks to the entrance of the Chinese delegation, every shot was full of memorable moments.

"It should be when the Chinese delegation enters." Liu Xiang's gaze lingered on the image of delegation members waving the national flag, and his tone became particularly serious.

"When the flag bearer walked in carrying the five-star red flag and the whole audience cheered together, the sense of national pride was really strong. When I participated in the competition back then, the happiest thing was seeing the national flag raised for me. Now, seeing the younger generation take the stage in such a home-field atmosphere, I am really happy for them."

“Look at their mental state,” Liu Xiang said, pointing to the big screen, his tone full of approval.

"They marched in perfect unison, and their eyes were very determined. That's the advantage of playing at home—with so many fans supporting them, they're definitely more confident."

"Moreover, the number of participants in the Chinese delegation this time is the largest ever, covering almost all events, which shows that the overall strength of Chinese athletics is improving."

"It's no longer just a few projects that are worth mentioning."

As the replay ended, Yang Jian glanced at the script and shifted the topic to the upcoming matches: "Now that we've finished talking about the opening ceremony, let's talk about the events that everyone is most concerned about—which matches are worth watching over the next ten days? Which Chinese players have a chance to win medals? Liu Xiang, could you give us some advice from a professional perspective?"

Liu Xiang immediately sat up straight, his tone becoming serious: "First up is definitely the men's 100 meters. Su Shen will be going head-to-head with Bolt this time. Although the pressure is high, it's sure to be exciting. Everyone should pay close attention to his start and acceleration in the first 30 meters, as these are his strengths. Then there's the women's 100 meters. Chen Juan, who achieved great results in Moscow, will have a better performance at the Bird's Nest this time. In addition, there are the men's and women's 200 meters to watch. Besides that, in women's race walking, Liu Hong and Lü Xiuzhi are both favorites to win. Although race walking is slow-paced, it gets more exciting as it goes on. Everyone should watch how they adjust their pace and cope with the challenges from their opponents."

"Of course, we should also pay attention to the high jump and long jump, as well as Wang Jianan in the men's long jump and Lü Huihui in the women's javelin. They are both young athletes and may bring surprises."

He paused, then added, "Actually, besides these events where there's a chance to win medals, other events are also worth watching. For example, in the men's 110-meter hurdles, Xie Wenjun may not have as much experience as the veterans, but he has improved rapidly in the past two years. You can watch his hurdle-clearing technique. And in the women's shot put, Gong Lijiao has a very distinctive throwing power and angle. Even if she doesn't win a medal in the end, her competition will still be very exciting."

"In short, I hope everyone will not only focus on the gold medals, but pay more attention to the athletes' hard work. It is already remarkable that they can stand on this stage."

"We need to give athletes more blessings."

"Especially at home, in the Bird's Nest stadium."

"Because as an athlete..."

"We really need the support and blessings of the live audience."

"Your cheers and shouts can really bring good luck to the athletes."

"So please don't hold back your cheers and applause during the rest of the game."

"Please give our best to cheer on our athletes."

"And then, I wish our athletes great success, breakthroughs, and new glories in this Bird's Nest competition."

The program then officially entered the event preview segment.

Yang Jian picked up the script and clearly read out the key schedule for the next day to the camera: "Tomorrow morning at 9:00, the women's shot put qualification will begin, with Chinese athletes Gong Lijiao and Gao Yang competing; at 10:30, the men's long jump qualification will begin, with Wang Jianan and Huang Changzhou representing China. At 2:00 PM, the highly anticipated men's 100-meter preliminary round will officially begin, with Su Bingtian appearing in lane 5 of the third heat. Everyone must remember this time—around 2:15 PM, Su Bingtian's race will begin, so don't miss it."

……

To give viewers a clearer understanding of the schedule, the large screen behind the studio simultaneously displayed the schedule for the following day, with the times of key matches and the names of Chinese players highlighted in red for easy reference.

Pointing to the schedule on the big screen, Yang Jian emphasized again: "You can take a screenshot and save this schedule, or follow the official Weibo account of CCTV Sports Channel. We will update the match results and the latest news in real time. Also, please remember that all matches will be broadcast live on CCTV Sports Channel, and some matches will be rebroadcast. Viewers who miss the live broadcast don't need to worry."

Liu Xiang added at this point: "When watching the competition, you can pay more attention to some details. For example, when watching the men's 100 meters, in addition to seeing who runs the fastest, you can also look at the athletes' reaction time at the start and their arm swing. When watching race walking, you can look at the athletes' stride frequency and stride length, as well as how they avoid fouls. These details can not only help you understand the competition better, but also let you feel the charm of track and field."

The program is coming to an end.

Yang Jian put down his script and smiled at the camera: "Time flies, and today's opening ceremony special program is about to end. But this is just the beginning. In the next ten days, the 2015 Beijing World Athletics Championships will bring you more excitement and more touching moments."

As soon as he finished speaking, the camera slowly left the studio and returned to the Bird's Nest stadium.

The Bird's Nest stadium was brightly lit at this moment, and the red seats looked like a red ocean under the lights. The track and field in the center of the stadium shone with a green luster, as if waiting for the athletes to arrive.

In the distant stands, many people were still there, waving national flags and smiling at the camera, their faces full of anticipation for the upcoming matches.

The director indicated that the live broadcast had ended.

"So, are you a little disappointed that you didn't go?"

Yang Jian and Liu Xiang had a good relationship.

You don't need to be so careful in private as you are in public.

"It's a bit of a regret, but not a regret either."

"Hmm? How should I put it?" Yang Jian asked.

"The regret is that I will not have the opportunity to fly in the Bird's Nest again."

"I can't deny that."

"But unfortunately..."

“A new generation of athletes is constantly emerging.”

"Just trust them."

"As a retired senior."

"Once you're retired, enjoy your retirement life to the fullest, take it easy..."

"Just appreciate how this generation shines here."

After speaking, Liu Xiang looked at the scene through the large glass window.

He said something else.

But the sound was too quiet.

Yang Jian couldn't hear it either.