Ahead of the meet, some of the participating athletes have been training the next generation at a school in Shanghai. Amongst them are American star Justin Gatlin, and Chinese sprinters Xu Zhouzheng and Liang Jinsheng, who all have more than their fair share of knowledge to pass on. Zhang Yue reports.

Wearing the school's athletic uniform, Justin Gatlin showed students the start position for sprinting on the track at Qibao Middle School in Minhang District. He demonstrated how to get the fastest speed using reverse thrust of the starting blocks. Chinese stars Xu Zhouzheng and Liang Jinsheng will compete in the 4 by 100 meters relay race this weekend, and today they demonstrated how to exchange the baton.

"You should spread apart your thumb and index finger, as this will make it easier to receive the baton from your teammate behind you, and you need to flex your wrist as well." After the small tutorial, three track and field athletes teamed up with the students for a mini 4-by-25 meters race.

LIANG JINSHENG, 2017 NATIONAL GAMES RUNNER-UP • 200 METERS "Every student has potential, especially these young athletes, who are already doing a good job among their peers. What they need to do now is to balance their study, and practice, and enjoy the sport."

JUSTIN GATLIN, 2005 & 2017 WORLD CHAMPION • 100 METERS "The track and field athletic community here in China is waking up. You see a lot of young athletes who are taking it more seriously, who want to make a career out of it, and is actually just sparking some interest and excitement among young athletes who want to be better later on."

CHEN PEIHAO, QIBAO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT "I was very excited to get this close to Justin, and learn some practical skills from him, because he is my idol. I will keep practicing."

Organizers said the event was set up to promote the international competition and increase enthusiasm for sports at the grassroots level.

Zhang Yue, ICS for CGTN, SHANGHAI.