Liu Shaoang Unfazed by Shaolin’s Absence

Liu Shaoang, a prominent figure in short track speed skating, recently reflected on his experience at the Milan Olympics. He noted a weight loss of five kilograms over the past few months, which he believes has enhanced his explosiveness on the ice. This follows the Chinese mixed relay’s fourth-place finish at the competition, following two critical errors during the race.

Liu Shaoang on Team Performance

Shaoang expressed pride in his team’s overall performance. He acknowledged that while they faced challenges in the final, other teams, like the Netherlands, had similar struggles in earlier rounds yet emerged stronger later. He emphasized that the nature of short track racing is unpredictable, and many variables influence the outcome.

Dealing with Pressure

Addressing the pressure of competing, Shaoang stated that he personally did not feel overwhelmed. As an experienced Olympian, he provided guidance to teammates who were experiencing their first Olympic Games. He stressed that performing in the Olympic environment carries a different weight, and each athlete copes with pressure differently.

Future Aspirations

Reflecting on his journey, Shaoang looked back at his experience from eight years ago when he faced disqualifications in all three individual events at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Despite that, he cherishes the memories from that time and is motivated to succeed in Milan.

• Objective: Secure a place in as many finals as possible.
• Ready for higher competition with younger, talented skaters.
• Seeks to repeat his past achievements from the Montreal World Championships.

Adapting to Change

As Shaoang reflects on the evolution of the sport, he notes that competitors have become stronger over the past four years. A new generation of athletes, including Canadian William Dandjinou, has emerged, displaying remarkable talent and capability.

Commenting on Shaolin’s Absence

A significant point of discussion was the absence of Liu Shaoang’s brother, Shaolin. Liu mentioned that this absence would not affect his performance. He stated, “We are at a level where we can handle these situations. If Shaolin were in my position, he would do the same.” While Shaolin is not competing, he is expected to support his brother from the sidelines.

Medal Aspirations

Considering his expectations for the Milan Olympics, Liu Shaoang conveyed that he would be disappointed if he did not win a medal. He is determined to achieve more than just a finalist position.

In conclusion, Liu Shaoang remains focused on his goals. He aims to leverage his experience and current physique to capture a medal in Milan, regardless of his brother’s absence.