As the countdown continues to Saturday’s Wanda Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, several star athletes seized the chance to sample some local culture on Tuesday afternoon, visiting Time Meets Island, which traces a millennium of Minnan heritage.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Jess Hull, Kenny Bednarek, Amy Hunt, Tonea Marshall, Christian Coleman, Ditaji Kambundji and Faith Cherotich – who will all compete in Xiamen – visited the 200,000-square-metre complex that exhibits the cultural roots of the southern Fujian region.
They were invited to dress up in traditional Minnan attire such as Hanfu and then enjoyed performances by local drummers and dancers.
“It’s nice to experience a bit of the culture,” said Ditaji Kambundji, the 100m hurdles world champion who’s making her second visit to Xiamen. “I love the lights, the lamps, the performances. I really appreciate what we got to see here.”
Photo credit: Marta GORCZYŃSKA for Diamond League AG
“It’s really pretty, right?” she said of the traditional attire. “I love fashion in general. They’re really beautiful garments and to get to try one on is very special.”
Christian Coleman, a three-time Diamond League champion over 100m, is making his fourth visit to Xiamen and he’ll be chasing his third win after victories in 2023 and 2024.
Photo credit: Marta GORCZYŃSKA for Diamond League AG
“Xiamen is really cool,” said the 2019 world 100m champion. “People are really nice, the weather is humid, which is good for sprinting. I’ve always had good food here, good vibes and experiences. Having the opportunity to come here, experience a new culture, it’s been a pretty cool day.
“Being able to put on the Chinese garments, I really feel like a warrior,” he added. “It’s pretty cool to take pictures and enjoy being entrenched in a different culture.”
British sprinter Amy Hunt, the world 200m silver medallist last year, will be looking to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish in Xiamen when she lines up against a stellar field over 200m on Saturday night.
“I always love racing in China,” she said. “I raced here quite a lot last year so I’m so happy to be back. I had so much love from all the lovely fans, everyone is so supportive and kind. Xiamen is so gorgeous, so green, so pretty and so welcoming.”
Hunt said she was “in love” with the local garments, adding: “I love immersing myself in the history and the culture of China. It’s so rich historically and it’s lovely to be able to experience that authentically and to dress up and learn more about China. I did my degree in English literature and art history so I love learning about other cultures.”
After competing at the Diamond League meeting in Keqiao last weekend, the 24-year-old visited Shanghai on Sunday, sampling some local cuisine, visiting traditional gardens and a tea house before relocating south to Xiamen for the second stop on the Road to the Final.
She explained why she’s keen to always experience some local culture when competing on the Diamond League circuit: “I don’t want to end up being at the end of my career thinking I only saw the insides of hotels, stadiums and airports, so I do try and get out.
“It’s nice to see where you are and have that full experience. I love my life and I love my job, so I like to see as much as I can.”
Photo credit: Marta GORCZYŃSKA for Diamond League AG