Zhang named to IOC post

"A big turning point, and an absolutely extraordinary day," Chinese speed skater Zhang Hong said after being appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) athletes' commission in Pyeongchang, South Korea on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Zhang was nominated by IOC president Thomas Bach.

"I want to thank president Bach for trusting me and supporting the Chinese athletes," said Zhang, adding that she would continue the work of her predecessor, short-track skater Yang Yang, and try to make a contribution to the development of Chinese sports.