Zhao Dan has etched her name in history by winning China’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s skeleton at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Cup in Yanqing, Beijing, on Saturday.
The 21-year-old athlete dominated both heats, finishing with a combined time of 2:04.27. She outpaced the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic champion, Germany’s Hannah Neise, by 0.37 seconds. Britain’s Freya Tarbit claimed the bronze with a time of 2:04.68.
“I finally realized my dream at home,” Zhao said joyfully after her victory. “Our whole team has made great progress in recent years, and I performed my best today. I’m delighted to win the gold. I need to stay focused and try my best in the upcoming events overseas.”
Last season, Zhao made headlines by earning China’s first medal in women’s skeleton at the IBSF World Cup, taking home the silver. This year, she climbed to the top of the podium, inspiring a new generation in China’s winter sports scene.
In the men’s skeleton, Germany’s Christopher Grotheer, the 2022 Olympic champion, secured gold with a time of 2:01.93. Britain’s Matt Weston was just 0.01 seconds behind, taking silver, while China’s Yin Zheng earned the bronze, adding to the host nation’s medal tally.
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Zhao Dan wins China's first women's skeleton gold at IBSF World Cup
cgtn.com
