China’s short track speed skating team concluded their participation in back-to-back International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup events in Seoul, South Korea, with a remarkable performance, securing two gold and two bronze medals. The highlight of their campaign was the men’s 5,000-meter relay victory, a testament to the team’s skill and unity.
The men’s relay team, comprising Liu Shaoang, Ren Ziwei, Sun Long, and Li Wenlong, who stepped in for the favored Liu Shaolin, clocked an impressive time of 7:05.762 in the 45-lap race. This performance outpaced the formidable teams from the Netherlands and Belgium, marking a significant achievement for the Chinese squad. This victory was particularly sweet, following a setback at the previous World Cup event in Beijing, where an error by Liu Shaolin prevented a home win.
Sun Long, the team’s leading finisher, emphasized the importance of unity and understanding within the team. He noted that the members prioritize team events over individual races, a mindset that was clearly reflected in their winning performance. The team faced challenges after the Beijing event, including online criticism targeted at individual athletes and head coach Zhang Jing. However, they overcame these hurdles with a focused approach in Seoul.
A key to their success in Seoul was the avoidance of errors, as Sun pointed out. The ice conditions in Seoul were less than ideal, making it challenging to overtake competitors. This made maintaining a lead crucial for victory, a strategy that the team executed perfectly.
Ren Ziwei, a seasoned two-time Olympian, expressed his intention to focus on self-improvement in the upcoming months. He plans to address areas he feels are lacking and aims to surprise at the National Winter Games scheduled for February 2024 in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Since his gold medal win at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Ren had not participated in international races until the recent World Cup events.
In individual events, Liu Shaoang successfully defended his 500-meter title, edging out South Korea’s Seo Yi-ra in a thrilling finish. Liu’s victory was a testament to his determination and skill, and he expressed his pride in the team’s collective effort on social media.
In the women’s categories, the Chinese team continued to showcase their prowess. The women’s relay team, featuring Qu Chunyu, Zang Yize, Gong Li, and Wang Xinran, secured a bronze medal. Additionally, the 18-year-old Wang Ye earned another bronze for the team in the women’s 500 meters.
The success in Seoul underscores the popularity and strength of short track speed skating in China, with a team that includes Olympic champions like the Liu brothers and Lin Xiaojun, along with veterans like Ren Ziwei and Fan Kexin. The team is set to return to Beijing, carrying with them the momentum and accolades from their successful campaign in Seoul.
Looking ahead, the World Cup series will resume in Dresden, Germany, in February 2024, where the Chinese team will undoubtedly aim to continue their impressive performances on the international stage. Their achievements in Seoul have not only added to their medal tally but also reinforced their status as one of the top contenders in the world of short track speed skating.
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