Title: Zhang Dawei: The Foundation Builder of Short Track Speed Skating
The “Fourteenth Winter” short track speed skating open group in Hulunbuir has garnered much attention, and Zhang Dawei, the leader of the competition group, is at the forefront working tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. Despite not being a sports management professional, the 38-year-old Zhang Dawei is the backbone of the short track speed skating world, serving as a grassroots skating coach and contributing significantly to the sport.
Zhang Dawei began his sports career in his hometown of Hulunbuir in 1999 and has since achieved national speed skating championship with the Heilongjiang Provincial Team. Returning to Hulunbuir Sports School, which is now known as the Inner Mongolia Ice and Snow Sports School, he continued to nurture the short track speed skating team, firmly establishing himself as a vital part of the sport. Last year, he was selected to join the coaching staff of the national speed skating team, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise.
The “14th Winter” competition is being held in Zhang Dawei’s home turf, and he has taken on the role of competition guarantee team member without hesitation, displaying his versatility and adaptability. Despite the multitude of responsibilities, Zhang Dawei remains genuinely delighted to see each competition unfold successfully. His team members have also achieved remarkable success, with medals won at the “14th Winter” short track speed skating youth competition and 28 gold medals at the 15th Inner Mongolia Games.
Zhang Dawei’s dedication to shaping the future of short track speed skating is evident in his efforts to train young skating hopefuls. With the support of the Inner Mongolia Ice and Snow Sports School, he has worked to address the shortage of talent in the sport, training young skating enthusiasts with a solid foundation. His ultimate goal, as he puts it, is to be “the person who builds the foundation” for the national and provincial teams.
For his tireless efforts and significant contributions to the sport, Zhang Dawei was awarded the “National Sports Outstanding Contribution Award” by the State Sports General Administration at the end of last year. Despite the honor, Zhang Dawei remains humble and focused on his true passion: nurturing the growth of young athletes at the grassroots level.
As the “14th Winter” competition progresses, Zhang Dawei’s determination and unwavering commitment continue to serve as a testament to his immense impact and influence in the world of short track speed skating.