XIAMEN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese discus thrower Feng Bin stated in a press conference on Friday, a day ahead of the Wanda Diamond League event, that she is eying a personal best in Xiamen.
Oregon 2022 gold medalist Feng was no stranger to the Egret Stadium, where she launched a 67.41-meter effort to win the inaugural Diamond League event in Xiamen last September, while it could be challenging for Feng to defend her title as the upcoming Xiamen event will stage a powerful discus throw lineup.
On Saturday, Feng will compete with two-time Olympic champion Sandra Elkasevic of Croatia, American reigning Olympic and Diamond League champion Valarie Allman, Dutch 70-meter thrower Jorinde van Klinken, Budapest 2023 gold medalist Laulauga Tausaga of the United States, as well as Cuba's Yaime Perez, who has just thrown an astounding 73.09m over last weekend - the longest throw worldwide since 1989.
Throwing in front of domestic fans, Feng sees the challenges positively.
"I regard it (Diamond League Xiamen) as a great opportunity to compete with the world-class throwers on the same field, it's likely easy for me to ignite a good competitive state," said the 30-year-old who threw a 66.44m in a throws invitation meeting last month in Chengdu, adding "Probably a personal best in Xiamen."
Last year's event brought an electric atmosphere to Xiamen with close to 30,000 spectators in attendance, and Feng expected a similar vibe this year.
"I'm one of the athletes who could easily get immersed in a packed stadium, the fans always hype me up," said Feng, who aims for gold in Paris this summer.
The Diamond League in Xiamen, as the one-day meeting circuit's season opener, will feature 14 disciplines on Saturday, with big names including Mondo Duplantis, Faith Kipyegon and Sha'Carri Richardson confirmed to present. ■
