As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics gain momentum, Chinese short track legend Wu Dajing is carving a fresh path off the ice. The 31-year-old retired gold medalist, who set a world record in the men's 500-meter event at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, has transitioned to sports commentary while maintaining close ties with China's national team.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene, Wu revealed his enthusiasm for amplifying audience engagement through his new role. "Retirement is inevitable for athletes," he said, "but we never truly leave the sports world. I'll keep contributing to this field in ways that leverage my experience."
Wu highlighted the growing global competitiveness in short track speed skating, noting athletes from multiple countries are pushing performance boundaries. "The unpredictability makes it thrilling," he remarked, adding that while he roots passionately for the Chinese team, "our priority is to support them without pressure."
Having previously competed in Milan, Wu expressed fresh appreciation for the city as a spectator. He praised the February 6 opening ceremony for its innovative celebration of athletic spirit, particularly moved by athletes' visible joy during the parade of nations.
As the Games progress, Wu's insights are expected to bridge technical expertise with accessible storytelling – a dual approach resonating with both seasoned winter sports fans and newcomers tuning into this year's events.
