mk 2024 in Beijing, China. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2024/2024-12-08/d252906e-eb8a-4871-8daa-fd83548cf51b.jpeg" />

Liu Shaoang of China skates ahead of the group in the Men's 1000m Rep Quarterfinals during the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating at Capital Indoor Stadium on December 8, 2024 in Beijing, China. Photo: VCG

The Chinese short track speed skating team scored three gold and two bronze medals in the home short track World Tour event in Beijing over the weekend, recovering from their previous lackluster performance in the series.

Sun Long was the biggest contributor to ­China's medal haul, as he won gold in the men's 500 meters while performing well in the mixed 2,000 meters and men's 5,000 meters relays on top of a bronze medal win in the men's 1,500 meters relay.

But he put team glory ahead of his personal achievement.

"Every generation of the Chinese short track speed skating team puts the team ahead of individual glory," Sun told reporters after finishing the race. 

"We have the strength to contend for gold in the mixed relay and men's relay events. I think we've done exactly what I said - we've just completed the task."

The men's 5,000 meters relay team, consisting of Sun, Liu Shaoang, Li Wenlong and Liu Shaolin, surged just laps ahead of the final moments to claim gold. 

Sun praised his teammates for their consistency and solid execution in their respective legs of the relay, saying the team's preparation and confidence were key factors in their triumph.

Earlier, the Chinese mixed relay team, consisting of Sun and Liu Shaoang along with young skater Gong Li and veteran Fan Kexin, triumphed in the 2,000 meters mixed relay final, claiming gold with a time of 2:39.115. 

Liu Shaoang, whose vital overtake in the last lap in the mixed relay race secured China's gold medal, said he was delighted for Sun's victory in the individual 500 meters where Liu Shaoang finished third on Saturday. 

"Seeing my teammate win the gold makes me just as happy," Liu Shaoang told reporters. 

"In the mixed relay, we went from first to second, then from third back to second and first. That's what short track speed skating is all about."

Veteran female skater Fan credited Liu Shaoang's capability in the last stage.

"Team events are more important than individual ones," Fan, a Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics relay champion, told reporters. 

"Shaoang's final lap, holding his position and overtaking the competition, gave great energy to both the spectators and the athletes who finished the race."

In contrast to the male skaters' achievements, no individual medals came from the women's squad, but Fan said the squad has improved a lot.

There was even a worrying scene on Saturday as rising star Wang Ye got a serious fracture in her right leg during Saturday's women's 3,000 meters relay. 

The Chinese short track team said Wang will have to skip the upcoming events including the next World Tour event in Seoul, South Korea, next weekend.