Short-Track Speed Skating World Championships Set the Stage for Milano-Cortina 2026

As the 2025 International Skating Union short-track world championships approach, excitement builds with the upcoming Olympics in sight. Scheduled from Friday to Sunday at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, this event marks an essential moment in the 2024-25 season, presenting athletes with the closest experience to the challenges they will face in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics. The competition will showcase major rivalries and fierce battles among the top skaters, as they strive to gain momentum as they head towards Olympic aspirations.

Among the competitors are 164 skaters representing 36 nations and territories, including the standout ISU Crystal Globe winners Kristen Santos-Griswold from the U.S. and Canada's William Dandjinou. Both skaters have proven to be exceptional all-arounders and are expected to excel in their respective events, but they are also aware of the competitive landscape surrounding them. Dandjinou, who recently achieved remarkable success by winning eight gold medals in six World Tour events, understands that nothing in short-track is guaranteed, and he prepares for the championships with a mindset focused on continual improvement and success.

Canada has made a significant impression on the World Tour, capturing 37 medals, including 21 gold, and Dandjinou is determined to enhance this legacy. Meanwhile, Santos-Griswold has a personal goal of excelling in Beijing, as she seeks redemption after narrowly missing the Olympic podium during the previous Games. Her focus on both physical and mental preparation exemplifies the challenges faced by short-track skaters, as unpredictability can be a part of the sport.

Team China, eager to make a mark on home ice after a less than stellar performance in the recent tour, is driven to outperform expectations. With strong competitors like defending world champion Sun Long and seasoned athletes such as Lin Xiaojun, Liu Shaoang, and Fan Kexin, the Chinese team aims to harness the energy of the local crowd to improve their medal count from the World Tour. Fan expressed the importance of making a strong showing, viewing this championship as a vital step leading into the next Olympic season.

The South Korean team, historically a dominant force, is also preparing vigorously for the championships. Led by young talents such as Park Ji-won and Kim Gil-li, they aim to reclaim their position among the top contenders for Olympic medals. After having a challenging year at the previous world championships, Park is motivated to secure gold in Beijing, while Kim looks to prove her abilities as a formidable competitor in her own right. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the championships, showcasing the world's best as they gear up for the Olympics.