What was the secret behind Chinese speed skaters' domination in the 2024 World Championships?

Nobody could have foreseen China's astonishing triumph at the 2024 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. A team that seemed to be in a slump defied all expectations and dominated the tournament, claiming an impressive four gold medals and clinching the top spot on the medal table.  

This was no fluke. China's ability to outclass the Netherlands, despite their home advantage, was a masterclass in skill and strategy. And given their superiority over formidable opponents like South Korea and Canada, who were considered pre-tournament favorites, there's now no question who the world's best team is.  

Every perceived weakness or failure has been turned on its head. If China had only managed to secure one gold medal in the previous competition, then how much greater must their sense of pride and accomplishment be in transforming themselves in 2024?

"Each year brings forth a multitude of races, and it's unrealistic to expect every single one to reach impeccable standards. The ups and downs in the skaters' performance are a natural phenomenon," observed China coach Zhang Jing.

"In the final races of the season at the World Championships, however, we managed to effectively channel pressure into motivation. Despite the speculation and criticisms from the outside world regarding the form of our athletes, rest assured that they are all highly skilled professionals who know how to handle such scrutiny."  

"The arena of short track speed skating is an ever-changing landscape, and they possess the capacity to calmly and independently assess the opinions that come their way."

At this year's World Championships, the Netherlands faced unfortunate mishaps with skaters falling during both the mixed team relay and men's 5000m relay finals. Even the seasoned South Korean champion Hwang Dae-heon experienced unexpected collisions with his teammates in the men's 1500m and 1000m races, which ultimately impacted his performance.

In sharp contrast, China managed to navigate the entire competition without any such incidents occurring. "The relay events hold great significance for us, and our entire team made extensive preparations down to the smallest details," explained Zhang.

"We stood united, executing our strategies and tactics with precision. Not only did each individual player find their optimal form, but the level of coordination between teammates was also exceptional." 

"Prior to the competition, I provided the team with detailed instructions, emphasizing the importance of finishing the race cleanly, avoiding personal mistakes, and not giving the referees any chance to find fault," she added.

"We meticulously studied the footage of past races, honing our skills in every aspect. In the end, we showcased our best form in both relay events, securing the world titles."

Zhang also gave special recognition to Lin Xiaojun, who played a pivotal role in China's triumph in two relay events. Lin's exceptional resilience also led him to claim victory in the individual 500m event, marking an incredible milestone in his career. The 27-year-old has now accomplished the extraordinary feat of winning gold medals in all individual and relay events at the World Championships.

"Lin's mental acuity is truly impressive," said Zhang. "He has a remarkable ability to identify gaps and control the tempo of the race. His performance during crucial moments of major competitions is incredibly mature, reflecting his high level of skill and composure."