As Beijing hosts the ISU World Short Track Championships this week, the spotlight turns to China's rapidly growing influence in winter sports. In an exclusive interview with Sports Scene, International Skating Union journalist Luke Norman and NOS Sport chief editor Rutger Hekman shared insights into the dramatic rise of speed skating across the Chinese mainland.
"What we've witnessed here is transformative," Norman observed, highlighting packed stadiums and enthusiastic crowds at Beijing's competitions. He noted that China's strategic investments in winter sports infrastructure since hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics have fueled grassroots participation and spectator interest.
While discussing global dynamics, Hekman praised the Netherlands' technical leadership in the sport but emphasized China's emerging strength: "Their systematic approach to athlete development – combining advanced training facilities with sports science – creates a powerful formula for future champions."
Both experts identified cross-cultural exchanges as key to the sport's globalization, pointing to increasing international training partnerships. As younger audiences engage through digital platforms and regional competitions expand across Asia, short track skating appears poised to become a year-round attraction beyond traditional winter sports markets.
