Shanghai curtain raiser a Diamond day for amateur aces

Although Chinese stars Zeng Jianhang and Lyu Huihui were in attendance at the March 28 news conference for the upcoming Shanghai Diamond League competition, it was the tall and slender Hungarian amateur runner standing beside them who stole the show.

Speaking in fluent Mandarin, Kate Sogor left the crowd in awe as she introduced herself as a participant in this year's Diamond Open, a competitive event for amateur athletes that will take place on May 11 at the Shanghai University of Sport. The winners of this event will get to compete in finals which will take place before the start of the Diamond League meet at Shanghai Stadium on May 18.

The 31-year-old was also presented with a commemorative race bib for her participation. The purpose of this gesture, said organizers, was to encourage more people to take part in track and field events and drive interest in sporting activities.