Lin Xiaoxiao returns! The Chinese team strives to win the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics ticket, Ren Ziwei is absent

On October 3, the Chinese short track speed skating team set off for Canada under the leadership of head coach Zhang Jing, officially embarking on the 2025-2026 season. Judging from the live photos posted by netizens, Lin Xiaoxiao returned from injury and will join forces with Liu Shaolin, Liu Shaoang, Sun Long, Li Wenlong and others to strive to help the Chinese team return to the top of the championship. In terms of women's team, veteran Fan Kexin competed with the team, and Wang Xinran, Gong Li, Zhang Chutong and others were all shortlisted for the competition. It is reported that the Chinese team will participate in the ISU World Tour in Canada, Poland, the Netherlands and other places to compete for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. During this Olympic cycle, the Chinese short track speed skating team achieved many good results in previous international competitions such as the World Cup and World Championships. Lin Xiaoyi, Liu Shao'ang, Sun Long and Liu Shaolin of the men's team, as well as Fan Kexin, Gong Li, Zang Yize of the women's team, won gold and silver as main players many times. Beijing Winter Olympic champion Ren Ziwei once returned to the arena and played with the team, but due to poor overall performance in individual competitions, he failed to stabilize among the main lineup of the national team, and it is still unknown whether he can participate in the Milan Winter Olympics.

Another famous general, Wang Ye, had suffered serious injuries and was currently actively recovering with the help of the team doctor. In the 2024-2025 season, the Chinese short track speed skating team was greatly impacted by European strong teams represented by the Netherlands and Canada. In addition, the old opponent South Korea continued to put pressure on the team, and the overall performance of the team declined significantly. At the 2025 World Short Track Speed ​​Skating Championships, the Chinese team rarely won gold medals in men's and women's events. In the men's 1500m final, Liu Shaoang won the bronze medal with a time of 2 minutes 15 seconds 871. In the men's 5000m relay event, the Chinese team composed of Liu Shaoang, Sun Long, Li Wenlong, Liu Guanyi and Liu Shaolin won the runner-up in the final with 6 minutes, 41 seconds, 840. The overall condition of the women's team was sluggish, and no one stood on the podium. Entering the 2025-2026 season, the Chinese team has entered the sprint stage for the Milan Winter Olympics, and the whole team is looking forward to creating another glory in the ultimate battle. According to the schedule, the Chinese team will participate in four competitions including the ISU World Tour in Canada, Poland, and the Netherlands to strive for the Milan Winter Olympics qualification. At present, the Chinese team's lineup has been announced.

The male athletes are Sun Long, Zhu Yiding, Liu Shaolin, Liu Shaoang, Li Wenlong and Lin Xiaoxiao, and Zhang Bohao is the substitutes. The female players include Fan Kexin, Wang Xinran, Gong Li, Yang Jingru, Zhang Chutong, Zang Yize, and substitute Wang Ye. The players said that this competition will be united and do their best to fully integrate the lineup, familiarize themselves with their opponents, and strive to achieve the goal of participating in the Milan Winter Olympics. In terms of individual personnel reserves and strength, men's 500 meters, men's 2000 meters mixed relay, and men's 5000 meters relay are still the main golden points for the Chinese team. Lin Xiaoye, Liu Shaoang and Sun Long will shoulder the heavy responsibility, and the goal of the women's team is to strive to win medals.

(Shopkeeper Luo)