This past weekend, Beijing was abuzz with the excitement of major winter sports events, including the ISU World Cup short track speed skating event held at the Capital Indoor Stadium. The Chinese team, under the leadership of short track speed skater Liu Shaoang, delivered an outstanding performance, securing one gold, four silver, and five bronze medals.
Liu Shaoang, who recently joined the national team with his brother Liu Shaolin from Hungary, demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. He triumphed in the men’s 1,000 meters with a time of 1:23.696, claiming the first gold medal for China at the event. His success continued as he contributed to the team’s bronze medal win in the men’s 5,000 meters relay. Reflecting on the opportunity to compete on the home rink, Shaoang expressed gratitude, especially considering the ISU’s restrictions on transfers post-Beijing Olympics.
The event also witnessed a poignant moment in the 5,000 meters relay when an error by Shaolin in the last lap altered the course of the race. Despite the setback, Shaolin emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining confidence in the team’s capabilities.
Contributing significantly to China’s medal tally was female skater Gong Li, who won a silver medal in the women’s 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000 meters. Her achievements at the event were not just a personal victory but also a testament to the team’s overall growth and potential.
Veteran skater Fan Kexin made a remarkable return to competition, securing two silver medals in the women’s 500 meters and 2,000 meters mixed relay, followed by a bronze in the 500 meters. Fan’s love for the sport was evident as she repeated her gesture from the Beijing Olympics, kissing the ice in a display of affection and gratitude.
Short track events have garnered increasing popularity in China, drawing large crowds and notable figures associated with the sport. Among the attendees were Olympic champion Wang Meng and Kim Sun-tae, the man who led Team China at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Despite high expectations, Lin Xiaojun faced a setback with a leg injury during the men’s 500 meters, raising concerns about his participation in upcoming events. However, he remained optimistic about his recovery and urged his fans to support the entire national team amidst recent online controversies.
The weekend’s events extended beyond short track skating. The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final at the National Indoor Stadium featured a groundbreaking quadruple Axel jump by 19-year-old US skater Ilia Malinin. Malinin’s performance earned him a personal best score and victory over Japanese world champion Shoma Uno.
In a nod to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics legacy, podium finishers in both short track and figure skating received a Loong Dwen Dwen, a Chinese dragon version of the Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen.
Additionally, Winter Olympics champion Gu Ailing, also known as Eileen Gu, triumphed in the FIS women’s freeski halfpipe World Cup at Genting Snow Park in neighboring Hebei Province. This marked her first competition in China since her Olympic success.
These events not only showcased the talents of international athletes but also celebrated the enduring spirit of winter sports, continuing the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
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