Glorious gifts for the motherland

China's Liang Rui celebrates after winning the women's 50km race walk at the 2019 athletics world championships in Doha on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's medal winners at Doha worlds dedicate feats to nation's 70th birthday

Team China marked the nation's 70th birthday in style as patriotic pride spurred its athletes to glory at the IAAF World Championships in Doha last week.

A nine-medal haul, consisting equally of three gold, silver and bronze, was China's best performance at the championships in 20 years.

All who stood on the podium for China were in agreement that thoughts of the National Holiday and 70th anniversary celebrations back home had imbued their feats with extra significance.

"The race had a special meaning for me because it was held just before National Day," said former world record holder Liang Rui, who led a Chinese one-two finish along with Li Maocuo in the women's 50-kilometer race walk on Sept 29.

"This victory is a birthday gift from me for my homeland."

A day later, Olympic gold medalist Liu Hong and her teammates Qieyang Shijie and Yang Liujing swept the 20km race walk medals.

"Even before we came here, the team was confident of retaining the 20km title before National Day, and the only question was who would win it. Every one of us wanted to win the gold medal to pay tribute to our country," said 32-year old Liu, who returned to action in early 2019 after more than two years of maternity leave.