Stars to watch

Gong Lijiao

As one of the Chinese athletics squad's best hopes to win a gold at the Tokyo Olympics, the reigning women's world shot put champion threw this year's world-leading distance of 20.39 meters for victory at last month's national championships in Chongqing.

Having won two world titles, in 2017 and 2019, Gong has yet to add an Olympic gold to her collection and will hope to improve on the silver she collected at the 2012 London Olympics.

Liu Hong

After winning 20km race walk gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016, Liu retired from competition to raise her daughter. However, in 2019, the three-time world champion decided to return to the sport she loves, eyeing more glory in Tokyo. The 34-year-old is hopeful that her extra year of preparation due to the postponement of the Games can help stand on the highest podium once again.

Yang Jiayu

Youngster Yang Jiayu clocked a world-record 1:23:49 over 20km at the Chinese Race Walking Championships in Huangshan, Anhui province in March. The 25-year-old world No 2 has, therefore, every reason to be confident that she can enjoy a glorious Olympic debut in Tokyo. Yang, though, will face stiff competition from compatriots Liu Hong and Qieyang Shijie. The three have been fine-tuning their preparations with different coaches in different cities.

Su Bingtian

As the Asian record holder and the first Asia-born sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m, veteran Su Bingtian will compete in what will likely be his last Olympics in Tokyo. Su won the men's 100m title in 9.98 seconds at last month's Olympic trials in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, indicating the 31-year-old has fully recovered from a 2019 waist injury that had stalled his career.

Xie Zhenye

Xie Zhenye currently holds the Asian 200m record of 19.88 seconds, and is the second Chinese sprinter to dip under 10 seconds in the 100m with a personal best of 9.97. Xie is aiming to reach the 200m final in Tokyo. In addition, he and Su Bingtian will spearhead China's challenge in the 4x100 relay.