The 2001 Summer Universiade, also known as the XXI Summer Universiade, was an international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, between 22 August and 1 September. Beijing also hosted the 1990 Asian Games. A total of 6,757 athletes from 165 nations took part in 12 sports. The hosts, China, topped the medal table for the first time, with a total of 103 medals and 54 gold medals (more than twice the number of gold- medals won by the United States, in second place). The event was also considered a rehearsal for the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to the announcement that Beijing would host the 2008 Olympic Games, which was made one month before the Opening Ceremony of the Universiade.

Venues

Chaoyang District

Fengtai District

Haidian District

Xicheng District

Shijingshan District

Dongcheng District

Sports

Events in a total of twelve sports were contested at the Universiade.

Obligatory sports

Rhythmic gymnastics became an obligatory sport at this edition.

Optional

Medal table