From Injury to Ice: Gao’s Journey to the Next Winter Olympics
Olympic speed skating champion Gao is making waves again, this time off the track. In an exclusive chat with CGTN’s Talk Sports, the 27-year-old star opened up about his post-Beijing 2022 recovery, his plans for the 2026 Winter Games, and his love for Harbin—host of this year’s Asian Winter Games 🏙️❄️.
“Every setback is a setup for a comeback,” Gao said, reflecting on his gold-medal triumph at Beijing 2022 and the injuries that followed. He also teased his favorite Harbin hangouts (hello, ice lantern festivals! 🏮) and praised rising star Jordan Stolz, who recently broke his track records. “Records are meant to be challenged,” he laughed. 🤝
Balancing Ice and Life
Gau didn’t shy away from discussing the mental grind of elite sports. “Training’s like a TikTok routine—you need rhythm AND rest,” he quipped, emphasizing the importance of downtime. 🧘♂️💥 He also highlighted China’s new generation of speed skaters, calling them “the future of the sport.”
With the Asian Winter Games kicking off in February, all eyes are on Gao as he gears up for another shot at Olympic history. Will 2026 be his year? Stay tuned. ⏳⛸️
