Chinese Athletes Sweep Gold and Silver at Winter Youth Olympics
The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon Province, South Korea has seen a resurgence of Chinese ice and snow athletes, with two teenagers from the Chinese team, Liu Yishan and Chen Zihan, winning the championship and runner-up in the women’s freestyle skiing U-shaped field finals. This marks the third time that Chinese athletes have won all the snow medals in Gangwon Province, and the second win by Gu Ailing at the Lausanne Winter Youth Olympic Games four years ago.
Liu Yishan’s victory is particularly noteworthy, as she scored the highest in all three rounds of the competition, with her score being the only one among all the players to exceed 90 points. Chen Zihan, her teammate, also scored impressively in the first round but made mistakes in the subsequent rounds, securing the runner-up position with her initial score.
This is not the first time that Chinese athletes have excelled in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. In previous competitions, athletes have demonstrated China’s strong reserve strength in short track speed skating, with a strong showing in the mixed team relay.
The success of young Chinese athletes in the Winter Youth Olympic Games points to the unlimited potential of China’s ice and snow forces. Notable athletes such as Gu Ailing, who has previously dominated in freestyle skiing events, showcase the talent and skill present in the Chinese team. Furthermore, other athletes such as speed skaters Liu Yunqi, Pan Baoshuo, and freestyle skiing giants show promise for the future of China’s ice and snow sports.
The Winter Youth Olympic Games has proven to be a platform filled with passion and challenges, and the dedication and efforts of young Chinese athletes are becoming a source of strength for the future of China’s ice and snow sports.