Four-ward momentum

Strong return

Following Sun's opening win, Lin, formerly known as Lim Hyo-jun before he opted to switch nationality from South Korea to represent China in 2020, cemented his strong comeback from a lengthy hiatus, due to both injury and the protracted naturalization process, by finishing first in the 500m final A to win his first individual world championship gold since 2019, when he still skated under the South Korean banner.

He backed up the win and showed his world-class ability by helping Team China defend the men's 5,000m relay title, overtaking his South Korean counterpart in the last leg, sending the capacity crowd at the Dutch rink into a frenzy.

As he crossed the finish line, the 2018 1,500m Olympic champion celebrated with a "stirring the pot" gesture, a trademark of NBA star James Harden, before taking a few victory laps draped in the Chinese national flag.

"I'm deeply grateful for the support from the Chinese fans. Our team's unity was our greatest strength," Lin wrote on his Weibo account after the event.

The 27-year-old has now distinguished himself as the only active skater to have won all individual and relay events at the worlds, emerging as the new leader of Team China in its preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Former members of Hungary's successful 5,000m relay squad at the 2018 Olympics, the Liu brothers, who were born to a Chinese father and Hungarian mother in Budapest, also took pride from the collective strength of the Chinese national program as they prepare for their third Olympics appearance — and their first in Chinese colors.

"I am incredibly blessed to have won gold with such an outstanding team. It's a beautiful experience to represent our father's home country and sing the national anthem together," the elder brother, Shaolin, said after the relay win.

Shaoang, the reigning 500m Olympic champion, said the best is yet to come for the new Team China.

"We've also had a great season in the World Cup series. Hopefully, we can continue to work hard and achieve greater results at the next world championships on home ice," said the 26-year-old, who, alongside his brother, has been developed by Zhang since they were little.

In 2025, the world championships will return to Beijing, which hosted the flagship event in 2012. It is set to take place at Beijing's Capital Indoor Stadium.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn