Chinese Short Track Speed Skaters Reflect on Performance and Growth at Home Championships

The Chinese short track speed skating team has acknowledged the need for improvement following their performances at the home short track world championships held in Beijing. Over the course of the three-day event, the team managed to earn only a silver medal and a bronze medal, despite high expectations and the competitive spirit of the athletes. The Chinese delegation celebrated Liu Shaoang, who, despite competing with stitches on his knee, secured a bronze in the men's 1,500 meters, and alongside the men's relay team, achieved a silver medal in the 5,000m relay.

Liu expressed a mix of challenges and satisfaction, stating that even with his injury, he was determined not to miss the chance to compete. He received admiration from the crowd for his courage and insisted on participating despite medical advice against it. Meanwhile, Team Canada dominated the event, claiming podium spots across all disciplines and earning six gold medals. Chinese skater Sun Long lamented their performance, attributing setbacks to collisions on the track rather than a lack of speed, and pointed out that these experiences could be more valuable than medals as they prepare for the future.

Veteran skater Fan Kexin emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes, acknowledging that error can contribute to an athlete's growth. She encouraged the team to unite and tackle their challenges together. Following the women's relay team's elimination, Wang Xinran pointed out the need for the team to improve in various areas such as handovers and skating technique. Fellow skater Zhang Chutong emphasized the singular nature of this season's challenges, but underscored the team's determination to unite and focus on preparations for the upcoming Milan Winter Olympics.

Despite setbacks, there remains hope with Wang Ye, a 19-year-old skater recovering from a serious injury, who voiced support for her teammates and expressed her commitment to returning to form before the Olympics. Hosting this championship has also sparked an increase in interest in short track skating within China, with seasoned referee Qu Li noting remarkable developments among young athletes in the sport. He expressed optimism about the future of short track speed skating in the nation, emphasizing that organization of competitions can foster fairness and progress in the sport.