Beijing is back in the spotlight! After a 20-year hiatus, the ISU World Short Track Championships are returning to the Capital Indoor Stadium, and the vibe is electric. From Friday through Sunday, 164 skaters from 36 countries and regions will hit the ice at breakneck speeds. 🏎️💨
At a lively press conference, ISU President Kim Jae-youl shared his excitement, stating, "Beijing has world-class venues, excellent organization, passionate fans, and reliable partners. 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 championship builds on recent successes. During the 2024-25 ISU Short Track World Tour, skaters from the Chinese mainland clinched five gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, with major wins in the men's 500-meter, men's 5,000-meter relay, and mixed relay at the Beijing stop.
Meanwhile, Canada's William Dandjinou and USA's Kristen Santos-Griswold, who won the prestigious ISU Crystal Globe titles, are all set to prove their excellence on the world stage. Dandjinou remarked, "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. The World Championships is another opportunity to prove myself and do my best."
Santos-Griswold added, "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."
For young sports enthusiasts and adventurers, this event is more than just a competition—it’s a vibrant celebration of speed, determination, and international camaraderie. Get ready to experience a thrilling weekend on ice!
Reference(s):
ISU World Short Track Championships back in Beijing after 20 years
cgtn.com
