International athletes hail Guangzhou tracks at World Athletics Relays

The World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, concluded on Sunday. The track events were staged at the Tianhe Sports Center, and international athletes praised the stadium with their remarks being echoed by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.

"China is a lucky country. Yes. China is a lucky country. Happy with China. Definitely will be back. Definitely will be racing more here," said South African Sprinter Akani Simbine who won the men's 4x100m relay.

"The best. We loved it. We loved it. This track is the best track I've ever ran on," said Spanish sprinter Daniela Fra who won the women's 4x400m relay.

"I think it's good. The job is done for today. We came here. We did all we wanted to do, so we're happy. For the first time, the Kenyan team is going to be fielded in World Championships. So I mean the environment has been crazy. And we're really excited," said Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala who competed in the men's 4x100m relay event.

"I think we feel just as good as we did yesterday but obviously better. Championship record we couldn't ask for anything more. Today was amazing. The crowd's really electric today. So we're feeling good," said American Lynna Irby-Jackson who won the mixed 4x400m relay.

"We're looking forward to coming back here in two years. The fans are great. The environments are great," said Canadian Duan Asemota who won the mixed 4x100m relay.

"Yeah. So Pretty. Great energy. And the city's really nice," said his teammate Marie-Éloise Leclair.

"Yeah the crowd's amazing. It's nice and packed. People are cheerful. It's really really nice," said Team GB sprinter Bianca Williams who won the women's 4x100m relay.

"It's lovely. I haven't seen much of it, because we've been preparing but I'm hoping tonight and tomorrow. But the crowd is amazing and the people," said Team GB sprinter Lina Nielsen who participated in the women's 4x400m relay event.

"We love the food. We love Cantonese food. We love the crowd. So welcoming and so friendly. It makes a difference when you have people in the crowd cheering you on. So we would happily come back to Guangzhou," said her sister and fellow sprinter Laviai Nielsen.

The athletes' sentiment was echoed by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

"Good luck. Keep supporting your team. It's making great progress. And in the next few years, you're going to see world-class athletics in China," Coe said.