The 2025 Asian Winter Games are fast approaching and one of the standout athletes preparing to take to the ice is Fan Kexin. With fifteen years of experience in national team, Fan is not just chasing medals but also hoping to inspire the next generation. CGTN's Wang Siwen sat down with the veteran skater to discuss her preparations career highlights and what keeps her motivated. 

WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter "How are your preparations going for the upcoming games?"

FAN KEXIN, Short Track Speed Skater, Team China "We've been in the final preparation stage since the 100-day countdown began. We're following our training plan step by step until the competition. The goal is, of course, to win the championship, but I need to stay steady, make it through each round to the final, and then focus on tactics to outplay my opponents."

WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter "Your hometown is Qitaihe, home to over 10 world champions or winter Olympic winners. What's so special about the place?"

FAN KEXIN, Short Track Speed Skater, Team China "Qitaihe is a coal city, a small one with a population of around 600,000 as of a few years ago. People here are hardworking. When I first started short track speed skating, we trained outdoors in temperatures below minus 30 degrees. We skated on ice made by pouring water over surfaces. From such difficult beginnings, we advanced to the provincial team, the national team, and eventually international competitions. The breakthrough made by Yang Yang was a tremendous start for Qitaihe and short track speed skating, and we've carried on that legacy from generation to generation."

WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter "After the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, we saw a photo of you kissing the ice. Could you please share your feelings at that moment?"

FAN KEXIN, Short Track Speed Skater, Team China "That photo was something I'd wanted to do since 2014, but I never got the chance. Looking back, I was too young then and hadn't experienced enough. It's through setbacks and growth that I became stronger and was able to win Olympic gold on home ice."

WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter "Having experienced ups and downs in recent years, what are your thoughts and expectations for the Asian Winter Games?"

FAN KEXIN, Short Track Speed Skater, Team China "This year, I'm focusing on enjoying every lap on the ice. This could be my last Asian Winter Games since I'm already 32. I'm still exploring my potential and pushing myself to compete with the world's best athletes. I don't know what I'll achieve, but I set my goal and work toward it while savoring the process. For me, these Games are all about enjoying the experience."

WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter "Having been in this sport for 15 years, how do you see this competition shaping your career? What's your goal next?"

FAN KEXIN, Short Track Speed Skater, Team China "When I was younger, I aimed for gold medals and honors to improve my family's situation. That was my simplest dream. After achieving it, including winning Olympic gold at the Beijing 2022 Games, I've begun reflecting on what I can pass on. My responsibility now is heavier. It's no longer just about my own competitions, but also about spreading the spirit of sportsmanship and inspiring others. "When I set a goal, I have to achieve it  call it stubbornness, but I believe it's something every athlete needs. You have to be someone who can't be defeated. Everyone experiences countless failures, but it's that one victory that stays with you, giving you confidence and pushing you toward the next championship."