Shi Xiangyu made history for China at the 2024 Gangwon Province Winter Youth Olympic Games by winning the country’s first bobsleigh medal. The Chinese player secured the bronze medal in the men’s single bobsleigh event, marking a significant achievement for the Chinese team.
The competition took place at the Bobsleigh and Sled Center of PyeongChang Alpensia Sports Park, the same venue where bobsled and sled competitions were held during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Shi Xiangyu put in a stellar performance, ranking eighth in the first round and then improving his time in the second round to clinch the bronze medal with a total time of 1 minute, 50.18 seconds.
Following his achievement, Shi Xiangyu expressed his excitement, stating, “I was very excited. The moment I received the award, I couldn’t believe it. Because the results in the first round were indeed relatively low, but I didn’t expect that in the second round, I showed my best performance and put the training into practice. The level shows.”
In addition to Shi Xiangyu’s historic win, the Chinese team also tasted success in the mixed team group stage of curling, defeating the Nigerian team. Pan Baoshuo and Liu Yunqi further contributed to the team’s success by winning silver medals in the men’s and women’s 1500 meters speed skating events.
With a total of 3 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal, the Chinese team currently ranks fourth in the overall medal list. The Italian team continues to lead the gold medal standings with 7 gold medals, along with strong performances in bobsled, alpine skiing, and biathlon events.
In addition to the thrilling competition, the Winter Youth Olympic Games also feature the “Play Together in Winter” activity plan, which includes cultural, sports, art, and educational activities and exhibitions in the four competition areas of Gangneung, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, and Hengseong.
As the Games progress, the anticipation for the remaining events, including biathlon, freestyle skiing, and short track speed skating, continues to build. Chinese short track players are set to compete in the mixed team relay event, hoping to further add to their country’s medal tally.