Hey amigos! Get ready for some bittersweet ice news 🥲⛸️ This week, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Wu Dajing, the Chinese mainland's two-time Olympic short track speed skating champion, quietly announced his retirement.
At 31 years old, Wu made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games by winning gold in the men's 500m race—becoming the Chinese mainland's only champion that year. Four years later, at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, he helped the host nation secure gold in the mixed 2000m relay. 🥇
After those home Games, Wu says he thought about stepping away, but his passion for skating kept him on the ice. He competed sparingly at international meets, and his final domestic appearance was at the 14th National Winter Games in 2024.
Now, Wu is channeling his experience into coaching at the Jilin Provincial Sports Bureau's Ice Sports Management Center and teaching at Jilin University's Physical Education College. Talk about a glow-up from athlete to mentor! 💪
Whether you're a die-hard speed skating fan or just love a good comeback story, thanks to Wu Dajing we saw some epic moments on the ice. ¡Vamos al próximo capítulo!
Reference(s):
Two-time Olympic short track champion Wu Dajing announces retirement
cgtn.com
