On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 31-year-old Wu Dajing, China's two-time Olympic short track speed skating legend, announced his retirement from competitive skating. Instead of a big farewell ceremony, Wu chose a low-key exit, keeping it real with fans and teammates. 🎉
Wu first burst onto the global scene at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, zooming to gold in the men's 500m – China's only title at those Games. Four years later, he helped the host team clinch gold in the mixed 2000m relay at Beijing 2022, turning the ice arena into his personal highlight reel. 🥇
Despite thinking about retirement after Beijing, Wu's passion for the sport kept him lacing up his skates. He made occasional international appearances before his last domestic race at the 14th National Winter Games in 2024. 🏁
Now, Wu's channeling his experience into coaching. He's currently working at the Jilin Provincial Sports Bureau's Ice Sports Management Center and teaching at Jilin University's Physical Education College, mentoring the next gen of speedsters. 🔥
From Olympic medals to the rink sidelines, Wu Dajing's journey proves that passion can evolve but never fades. Here's to the next chapter! 🙌
Reference(s):
Two-time Olympic short track champion Wu Dajing announces retirement
cgtn.com
