Chinese Speed Skater Lin Xiaojun Withdraws from Season Due to Injury
Chinese short track speed skater Lin Xiaojun has announced that he will be withdrawing from the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Lin, who competed in the recent Harbin Asian Winter Games, revealed that he had been carrying the injury since November 2024 but had postponed surgery to participate in the games. Despite his injury, Lin managed to secure one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in the men's 500m, 1500m, and 5000m relay events, respectively.
10 February 2025
The decision to undergo surgery was made with the goal of being fully prepared for the Milan Winter Olympics. Lin's withdrawal from the season will undoubtedly be a loss for the Chinese short track speed skating team, but his health and well-being are of utmost importance. The Chinese short track speed skating team has announced the roster for the upcoming sixth stop of the 2024-2025 Short Track Speed Skating World Cup in Milan, Italy, which will take place from February 14 to 16. The team will be represented by Liu Shaoyang, Sun Long, Liu Shaoang, Li Wenlong, Zhu Yixuan, and Liu Guanyi in the men's events, and Fan Kexin, Gong Li, Zhang Chutong, Wang Xinyu, Zang Yize, and Yang Jinyu in the women's events.
The Chinese short track speed skating team has expressed its full support for Lin's decision to undergo surgery and has pledged to assist him throughout his rehabilitation process. Lin's decision to undergo surgery is seen as a strategic move to prepare for the Milan Winter Olympics. He has expressed his determination to recover as soon as possible and return to the ice to compete at his best. In a recent update on his social media, Lin stated that he will work with his coaches and teammates to showcase the Chinese sports spirit and the charm of short track speed skating at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, a group of Korean fans has been calling for Lin to return to his Korean nationality, but this has been met with criticism from Chinese fans, who point out that Lin was previously mistreated in Korea and has found success and support in China. The Chinese fans have rallied behind Lin, wishing him a speedy recovery and expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the team.
In other news, the recent Asian Winter Games were marred by controversy when a group of Turkish men's ice hockey players attacked Chinese Hong Kong players after a match, leaving several players injured. The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for stricter penalties for violent behavior in sports. The Chinese Hong Kong Sports Association has strongly condemned the attack and has demanded that the perpetrators be punished. The incident has also raised questions about the need for stricter rules and penalties to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Chinese short track speed skating team has also been dealing with controversy surrounding the behavior of Korean players, who have been accused of intentionally fouling and obstructing Chinese players during competitions. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the need for fair play and sportsmanship in competitive sports. Many have called for stricter penalties for players who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior, and for greater efforts to promote a culture of respect and fair play in sports.
In the end, Lin's decision to undergo surgery and prioritize his health is a strategic move that will ultimately benefit both him and the Chinese short track speed skating team. With the team's support and his own determination, Lin is expected to make a full recovery and return to competition, bringing honor and glory to China in the process. As the team looks to the future, they will be focused on preparing for the Milan Winter Olympics and promoting a culture of fair play and sportsmanship in competitive sports.
