A new start

But now, as he skates toward Milan, it's no longer just about medals. It's about identity, legacy and a new beginning.

"He's already climbed a mountain," said Zhang. "What he overcame this year can't be measured in medals. He conquered himself. That's the real victory."

The season's physical toll wasn't the only burden Liu Shaoang had to shoulder. Competing under a new flag, pushing through injury, and striving to prove himself again took more than physical resilience — it demanded emotional grit.

"Right before a race, I focus completely on what's coming — my strategy, the pace, the speed and the corners I'm about to hit," he says. "But, once I'm off the ice, I'm in a completely different state of mind."

Like many high-level athletes, Liu Shaoang has faced anxiety and emotional lows. "Whether you're an athlete or not, everyone deals with pressure and struggles," he says honestly. "The lucky part for me is having a brother I can trust."

When he's feeling down or overwhelmed, Liu Shaoang always turns first to his brother. If that doesn't help, he'll go to his coach. If the coach can't resolve it, he seeks out the team psychologist. And when even words fail, he turns inward — through meditation.

"Meditation is a conversation with myself," Liu Shaoang explains. "It's how I help myself heal."

Now a pillar of the Chinese national short-track team, Liu Shaoang is more than a competitor — he's become a mentor. With a positive mindset and a relentless drive to improve, he hopes to lead by example, both on and off the ice.

"Even after I retire one day, I hope I can still help the team win championships," he says.

He encourages younger teammates to lean on him, whether they're struggling in training or dealing with race-day nerves. "Every sport is the same — just being the fastest, the strongest, or the most talented doesn't always guarantee a win. What matters is that we win or lose together, support each other always," he says.

For Liu Shaoang, the strength of China's short-track speed skating team lies in its unity.

"Before every competition, we all sit down together, watch past races on video. Everyone shares their thoughts. Everyone learns. That's really important — because if you want to get better, if you want to be the best, if you want to win championships, that's what it takes."

"Believe in the team. Believe in your teammates. We all want the same thing — we're all pushing in the same direction. We all want to be champions."

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn