As the ISU short track speed skating World Cup approaches in Beijing, China’s national team, guided by head coach Zhang Jing, is focusing on team cohesion and strategic preparation. The team, currently holding third place in the World Cup rankings, has shown remarkable prowess, especially in relay events, a testament to their collective strength and strategy.
China’s success in Montreal, Canada, where they secured four golds, one silver, and one bronze across 11 entries, was predominantly attributed to their dominance in the relay races. This included an impressive performance in the men’s 5,000 meters relay team event. Coach Zhang Jing, speaking after a recent training session, emphasized the importance of team spirit, attributing their current standing to the collective efforts and the significance placed on relay events. These events, according to Zhang, are not just races but a reflection of a country’s overall prowess in the sport, marked by fierce competition and the need for impeccable coordination.
The upcoming Beijing event, scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday at the Capital Indoor Stadium, is the third in a series of six World Cup events. Zhang highlighted that recent training sessions have been dedicated to enhancing team coordination, a critical factor in relay competitions.
The Beijing event marks a significant moment for the team, with the return of Olympic champions Ren Ziwei and veteran Fan Kexin. Ren, a two-time gold medalist at the Beijing 2022 Olympics in the 1,000 meters and 2,000 meters mixed relay, is making a comeback to international competitions after a hiatus since February 2022. Acknowledging that his form is not at its peak, Ren views this as a rebuilding period, focusing on regaining his top capabilities, especially in long-distance events.
The popularity of short track speed skating in China has surged post-Beijing Winter Olympics, with tickets for the upcoming World Cup event selling out rapidly. This popularity is further bolstered by the inclusion of foreign-born athletes Lin Xiaojun, Liu Shaolin, and Liu Shaoang, who have recently joined Team China, enhancing the depth in the men’s squad. Liu Shaoang, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a key contributor to the men’s 5,000 meters relay victory in Montreal, is keen on maintaining a progressive attitude, focusing on continuous improvement and avoiding complacency.
In contrast to the men’s team, the women’s squad has had a more challenging season, with none of the skaters reaching the podium so far. However, coach Zhang remains optimistic, viewing international competition as a valuable learning experience for the athletes. He notes visible improvements in training post-international competitions, despite acknowledging the need to bridge the gap with other international powerhouses.
The return of experienced athletes like Fan Kexin is a significant boost for the women’s team. Rising star Wang Ye, born in 2005, is particularly inspired by Fan’s return, citing her fighting spirit and experience as pivotal for the team’s morale and performance. The blend of veteran guidance and youthful energy is a promising sign for the future of China’s short track speed skating team as they continue to strive for excellence on the global stage.
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