Reigning world champion in the men's 1,500 meters, Sun Long, opened up about his journey and aspirations in an exclusive interview with Sports Scene's Shen Xiang. As the Harbin Asian Winter Games and the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Sun reflects on his career, challenges, and future goals.
During his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, Sun faced a difficult moment in the men's 5,000-meter relay final. A misstep caused a fall, preventing China's team from securing a podium finish. Overwhelmed by disappointment, Sun shed tears on the ice and expressed his remorse on social media with six "Sorry" messages.
Facing criticism over his inexperience and mental resilience, Sun navigated a challenging period in his professional journey. Determined to overcome the setback, he and his coach meticulously revised their training approach, addressing the issues that surfaced during the competition. This period of reflection and hard work led to a remarkable evolution in Sun's performance.
In the interview, the 24-year-old athlete discussed his impressive recent performances on the ISU World Tour and expressed pride in the teamwork demonstrated by China in relay races. He reminisced about unforgettable moments with the national team and acknowledged the profound influence of his parents on his career. Sun also shared his unwavering determination to achieve his future aspirations, aiming for success in the upcoming Asian Winter Games and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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Exclusive: Speed skater Sun Long opens up ahead of Asian Winter Games
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