Two-time Olympian and Four Continents silver medalist Han Mei is gearing up for the upcoming ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The 26-year-old speed skater from the Chinese mainland is setting her sights on the top of the podium, aiming to win gold in every event she competes in.
Reflecting on her recent improvements, Han credits joining a new international team last season as a significant turning point. “I think joining the new team was a great motivation for me, and it led to my progress,” she said. “Standing on the podium felt like an incredible achievement, something I once thought was out of reach.”
Han also shares a unique friendship and rivalry with Japan’s Olympic champion Miho Takagi. “Takagi is someone who seems distant but suddenly appears beside you to help and guide you,” Han explained. “We share our experiences both on and off the ice. She’s a highly self-disciplined and professional athlete with excellent moral qualities. Spending time with her, I’ve realized she’s not as serious as she appears during competitions. I truly consider her a good friend and a worthy competitor.”
As she prepares for the Asian Winter Games and looks ahead to the Winter Olympic Games next year in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Han remains motivated. “I’m already 26 in the blink of an eye, which is really scary,” she admitted. “I hope to use the Asian Winter Games as motivation. My goal is to train diligently every day, accumulate my experiences, and perform maturely in competitions. While 26 might not be the peak competitive age, I believe in engaging in psychological warfare and delivering an exceptional performance.”
With her determination and passion, Han Mei is poised to make a significant impact at the Asian Winter Games, inspiring young athletes across the Global South and beyond.
