China showcased impressive performances at the International Skating Union (ISU) Short Track Speed Skating World Tour in Milan, clinching one gold and one bronze medal over the weekend.
On the final day of competition, hopes were high for China in the men’s 5,000-meter relay final. The team, consisting of Sun Long, Liu Shaolin, Liu Shaoang, and Liu Guanyi, maintained a top-three position for much of the race. However, a late fall by Liu Guanyi dashed their chances for a podium finish. Italy capitalized on the opportunity, surging ahead to claim the gold medal, with Canada taking silver and Kazakhstan securing bronze.
In the men’s 1,000-meter final, Liu Shaoang and Sun Long represented China, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Canada’s William Dandjinou dominated the race from the start, earning the gold medal. Italy’s Pietro Sighel took silver, while the Republic of Korea’s Jang Sung-woo captured bronze.
The women’s 1,500-meter final saw Belgium’s Hanne Desmet and Italy’s Arianna Fontana overtake competitors in the latter stages. Desmet claimed gold, with American skater Kristen Santos earning silver and Fontana taking bronze. China’s Yang Jingru finished in seventh place.
The event served as a significant test ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with all teams fielding strong athletes. China, aiming to gauge its competitive edge, participated with nearly all its top skaters, except for Lin Xiaojun, who was absent due to injury.
Earlier in the competition, China found success as Sun Long won gold in the men’s 500-meter event, and the women’s team secured bronze in the 3,000-meter relay. These victories highlighted China’s potential on the international stage as they build momentum toward future competitions.
