The ISU World Short Track Championships are making a thrilling return to Beijing’s Capital Indoor Stadium this weekend after a 20-year hiatus. From Friday through Sunday, 164 skaters from 36 countries and regions will compete for glory on the ice.
“Beijing has world-class venues, excellent organization, passionate fans, and reliable partners,” said ISU President Kim Jae-youl during a press conference on Wednesday. “We are thrilled to unveil our new branding for short track, which captures the fast, dynamic, and explosive nature of the sport. We will do everything we can to make skaters shine even brighter.”
This marks the first time since 2005 that Beijing hosts the prestigious event, and the excitement is palpable. Chinese skaters have shown exceptional performance this season, securing five gold, two silver, and five bronze medals across six events during the 2024-25 ISU Short Track World Tour. In December, they dominated the World Tour stop in Beijing, clinching victories in the men’s 500-meter, men’s 5,000-meter relay, and mixed relay.
Canada’s William Dandjinou and Kristen Santos-Griswold of the USA, who won the men’s and women’s ISU Crystal Globe titles this season, are set to compete at the Championships.
“I am really happy to have won the Crystal Globe. It was an amazing season for me and my team, but nothing is given to you in short track. I have to earn everything,” said Dandjinou. “The World Championships is another opportunity to prove myself and do my best.”
Santos-Griswold reflected on her journey: “What I am most proud of this year was my ability to persevere through every competition. I had a lot of struggles with falling or not having my best races, but I was able to bounce back. I just tried to take one step at a time and do my best.”
As the athletes gear up for the intense competition, fans worldwide are eager to witness the speed, skill, and excitement that short track skating brings to the ice.
