The Chinese Short Track Speed Skating team concluded a victorious run in the second phase of the 2023-24 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, held in Montreal, Canada. The team’s exceptional prowess was evident as they clinched two golds, one silver, and a bronze medal, highlighting their dominance in the sport.
The men’s 5,000m event was a moment of pride for China. With an impressive time of 7 minutes and 3.468 seconds, skaters Sun Long, Lin Xiaojun, Liu Shaoang, and Liu Shaolin raced past competitors, clinching the gold medal. It was a close race as Canada secured second place, followed by Kazakhstan, who took the bronze.
Further showcasing their mettle, the Chinese skaters, with Lin leading the charge, achieved consecutive golds in the mixed 2,000m relay. Their victory in the relay followed a similar triumph during the World Cup’s first leg. Demonstrating their exceptional skills, Liu Shaolin and Lin achieved a commendable second and third place in the men’s 500m race.
During the first part of the World Cup in Montreal, Liu Shaoang, the current Olympic 500m gold medalist, exhibited a stellar performance, setting a record of 40.875 seconds in the men’s 500m, securing yet another gold for China.
The 2023-24 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup consists of six distinct phases. It began in Canada on October 20 and is set to conclude in Poland on February 11, 2024. Beijing is geared up to host the third leg from December 8 to 10.
Fielding a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talents, China ended its campaign in Canada with an enviable four golds. This victory positioned them in a respectable third place in the overall medal tally, with South Korea and Canada taking the top two spots.
Reflecting on China’s performance, Zhang Jing, the coach of the Chinese short track speed skating team, emphasized the new season’s significance. For the seasoned athletes, it’s a chance to recalibrate their competition rhythm, while for emerging talents, it’s an invaluable experience.
To further nurture budding talent, China has also introduced a six-member secondary team to participate in the inaugural ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating season. Zhang shared an optimistic vision for the sport in China, emphasizing the establishment of teams across various age groups. This move, he believes, will expand China’s talent reservoir, ensuring the future success of the nation in the sport. Zhang said, “The coaching and progress of young athletes form the foundation for the long-term success of the Chinese short track speed skating team.”
Highlighting the importance of international exposure, Zhang added, “Participation in the junior world cup will empower young athletes to refine their skills and garner invaluable experience.”
As the team prepares for the upcoming Four Continents Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Canada on November 3, China will once again showcase its secondary lineup, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the next generation of skaters.
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