Beijing Grand Prix – Five things we learned

Here are the top stories from the Beijing Grand Prix, which took place in China from 13-15 May:

1. China still a Para athletics powerhouse

Top of the medals table at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and the 2015 World Championships, Chinese Para athletes proved they are still a force to be reckoned with – there were notable wins for Paralympic champions such as Guoshan Wu, Liwan Yang, Jianwen Hu, Na Mi and Hongzhuan Zhou.

2. 2017 – the year of the sprinters?

Chinese sprinters underlined in Beijing why they have such a fearsome reputation on the track. Jianwen Hu (T38) was one of a whole host of Paralympic champions to follow up with victory at their home Grand Prix. Qichao Sun (T12), Xia Zhou (T35), Xiaoyan Wen (T37) and Yiting Shi (T36) will surely be in the battle for medals again at London 2017.

3. Throwers on form as world records fell in the field

Four world records were broken across the three days of competition in Beijing – all out in the field - bringing the total of world records broken so far this year to over 30.

4. China’s wheelchair racers out in force

T54 racers Chengming Liu, Lihong Zou and Wenjun Liu all have world titles to defend in London this summer – they all won races in Beijing and will be strong contenders in London this summer.

5. 2017 Grand Prix season passed half way

The Beijing Grand Prix was the sixth of the year so far, with only three to go – in Paris, France; Nottwil, Switzerland and Berlin, Germany - before the London 2017 Word Para Athletics Championships in July.

The 2017 Grand Prix series moves to Europe next for the seventh meeting of the year, which takes place in Paris, France, from 30-31 May.