From October 17 to 18 the 58^th Student Track and Field Games of Capital Colleges and Universities was held at Beijing Forestry University (BJFU). It was sponsored by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, and hosted by Beijing University Sports Association and BJFU. Beijing Deputy Mayor Mr. LU Yan presided over the opening of the Games. During the competition, Prof. QUAN Liangzhu, deputy secretary of USTB’s party committee, was on the scene to cheer for our athletes.

100-Meter Relay

With COVID-19 control being the “new normal”, this student competition was the first large-scale event of its kind to be held in Beijing since the outbreak of the pandemic. It attracted nearly 500 athletes from 18 universities that enroll high-level athletes.

A Heel-to-Toe Walker from USTB

USTB had 42 athletes participating in 38 of the 44 competitions, winning a total of 14 medals, including 1 gold medal, 6 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals. In 35 of the 38 competitions, athletes from USTB placed eighth or better. In the end, with its accumulated points based on overall placings, USTB won third place overall in women’s team in Group A (high-level group) and the men’s and women’s team, winning USTB the “Sportsmanship Award”. First and the second place went to Tsinghua University and Peking University, respectively.

A High Jumper from USTB

Since USTB’s establishment, promoting physical training had been a long-term goal. In recent years, USTB has attached great importance to the selection and training of its high-level track and field athletes, and has explored ways to build a strong foundation and special characteristics to cultivate them. During the COVID-19 outbreak, USTB’s high-level athletes were guided online by their coaches to maintain training and exercise at home so as to maximize their physical conditions and minimize the adverse effects caused by the pandemic.

Athletes from USTB

As an important event with a profound historical cultural heritage, the Student Track and Field Games of Capital Colleges and Universities has witnessed the glorious history of the flourishing development of universities in Beijing for over 60 years. USTB has hosted the event five times since the competition was first held in May 1955, placing it second after Tsinghua University. At present, USTB has earned the right to host the 60^th event in 2022, which will also mark the 70th anniversary of USTB. The Department of Physical Education will continue to increase enrollment of high-level athletes, strengthen the management of its sports teams, and to improve the level of scientific training and the ability of athletics in track and field. With these efforts, USTB expects to see more outstanding results achieved in the 60^th event while celebrating the 70^th birthday of USTB.