Chinese Olympic champion Ning Zhongyan said he was still "amazed" after claiming three medals from three speed skating events at the Milan-Cortina, including a historic gold in the men's 1,500m.
He made the remarks in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) following his standout performance in Milan-Cortina, where he reached the podium in all three events he entered.
Ning shattered a century-long Western grip on the men's 1,500m, capturing gold in the event dubbed the "King's Race". Outpacing pre-Games favorite Jordan Stolz of the United States, who took silver, Ning delivered China's first Olympic title over the distance.
Days earlier, he secured two additional bronze medals in the men's 1,000m and team pursuit, becoming China's most decorated Winter Olympian in speed skating.
"Because my goal is [was] 'one medal is enough' because after the 1,000m, I already like finished my goal, but maybe I can do more, like more medals? But I was never thinking I can get a gold medal, and three medals [to] go home. I bring three medals [to] go home? I was never thinking about this. Yeah it was amazing, amazing," Ning said.
He also reflected on the honor of serving as the flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony, describing it as a source of inspiration.
"I feel that serving as the flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony was a motivation for me, but I didn't feel any pressure. I am also deeply grateful to my country for its support and trust. I am very happy that I lived up to everyone's expectations by winning a gold medal in my event after being the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. So, I sincerely thank everyone for their support，without your help and trust, I wouldn't be where I am today," he noted.
China's speed skating program has made consistent strides in recent years. At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the team captured a gold medal on home ice, building on its earlier success at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
Ning noted that while progress has been evident, the team had long sought to narrow the gap with the world's traditional winter sports powers.
"Previously, the speed skating team won a gold medal in 2022 and also secured one at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. However, there was still a gap in overall level compared to other winter sports nations. Between the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, our speed skating team actually went through a lot. Each of us settled down, steadily improved in our individual events, and now we are able to compete with the world's best and that is the biggest achievement for us in this cycle. Our speed skating team performed exceptionally well at the Milan Winter Olympics, which reflects both the expectations and recognition we have received. So, I believe that in the future, our speed skating team will continue to bring even more surprises to everyone," he said.
Chinese Olympic champion hails "amazing" three-medal haul at Milan-Cortina
