Two-time Olympian and Four Continents silver medalist Han Mei of the Chinese mainland is gearing up for the ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. In a recent interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Shen Xiang, Han shared insights into her illustrious career, her camaraderie with Japan's Olympic champion Miho Takagi, and her aspirations for the upcoming games.
Born in 1998, Han exhibited exceptional talent in speed skating from a young age, joining a professional training camp at just 10 years old. She has been a steadfast member of the Chinese national team since 2015, attributing her growth as an athlete to her integration into a new international team.
\"Joining a new international team last season was a great motivation for me, leading to significant progress,\" Han explained. \"Achieving podium finishes seemed like an unattainable goal, so it's still incredible for me.\"
Han maintains a friendly rivalry with Miho Takagi of Japan, finding joy in their competitions and admiring Takagi's dedication. \"Takagi is someone who appears out of reach but becomes a supportive and guiding presence,\" Han remarked. Their shared experiences on and off the ice have fostered a strong friendship, highlighting Takagi's professionalism and moral integrity.
Looking ahead to the Asian Winter Games, Han is determined to secure the top spot on the podium. She is also excited about competing in the Winter Olympic Games next year in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Reflecting on her journey, Han acknowledged the challenges of balancing her training with personal growth. \"At 26, I'm focused on winning gold medals and using this as motivation for my future preparations. I aim to compete maturely and deliver an outstanding performance at the Asian Winter Games,\" she stated.
Reference(s):
Talk Sports: Speed skater Han Mei gears up for Asian Winter Games
cgtn.com
