In 2007, at just 10 years old, Gao Tingyu first stepped onto the Speed Skating Oval at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province. He was immediately impressed by the indoor international-standard 400-meter track.

Prior to this, Gao had only ever trained on outdoor rinks in his hometown of Yichun, where tracks were typically only 100 to 200 meters long. In winter, they would skate on a track etched into a coal slag-covered field that had frozen over.

Gao Tingyu of China competes during the men's 500m final match of the speed skating event at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Over the years, the Harbin ice rink became pivotal for Gao's training, and a regular competition venue. As Gao watched the rink undergo continuous upgrades, he also enjoyed his rise to Olympic champion status.

Now, after returning to the venue for the Asian Winter Games, Gao expressed a renewed appreciation for the facility. "The improvements to the venue, including temperature, humidity, and ice quality, are remarkable," he said. "It's been transformed into a world-class facility."

Competing in front of a home crowd, Gao won three gold medals at this year's Asian Winter Games, further boosting his experience and confidence ahead of next year's Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

At the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games, Gao proudly led the Chinese delegation as its flag bearer. The following day, he claimed the gold in the men's 100m speed skating, finishing the first day of competition on a high.

Two days later, Gao successfully defended his men's 500m title, before teaming up with his fellow skaters to win gold in the men's team sprint.

However, after his men's 500m victory, Gao was seen vomiting. The sight quickly went viral on Weibo, with fans expressing concern over the image of him clutching a trash bin.

"The pressure was immense, especially mentally," Gao admitted. "I might have pushed too hard, the intensity was overwhelming."

In the men's 500m race, Gao faced off against Japanese speed skater Wataru Morishige, who had claimed bronze in the event at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Morishige posted an impressive time of 34.97 seconds in the 11th group, piling further pressure on Gao.

"Seeing his time, my heart skipped a beat, but when I stood on the starting line, I was confident I wouldn't lose to him," Gao recalled. With a time of 34.95 seconds, Gao triumphed by the slimmest of margins.

Later, in the men's team sprint, Gao partnered with Ning Zhongyan and Lian Ziwen to secure gold. As the trio stepped onto the podium, the crowd erupted in applause.

"I'm not sure if this will be my last Asian Winter Games. I don't want it to be, but I didn't want to leave with any regrets," Gao said, his eyes misting with emotion.

At the previous Asian Winter Games, the Chinese speed skating team secured just one gold medal — Gao's victory in the men's 500m. This year, however, the team brought home an impressive 11 golds.

With intense, back-to-back races, Gao's performance was a standout among Team China's speedsters in Harbin.

Having experienced this journey firsthand, Gao attributes the team's remarkable progress to scientific training methods. "In the past, I was on my own, but now I have a strong support system. My key word for this year's Games is effort. With everyone working together, Chinese speed skating will continue to improve," he said.

One of Gao's coaches, Liu Guanghui, emphasized that the Asian Winter Games tested the team's preparation, and this year's performance reached an ideal level.

"I'm extremely proud of Gao's performance," Liu remarked.

Liu's brother, Liu Guangbin, is also part of Gao's coaching team. Together, the brothers have supported Gao for 13 years.

"Seeing him standing on the top step of the podium, the greatest feeling is that all these years of hard work have paid off," Liu Guanghui told Xinhua News Agency.

"As coaches, we provide direction and support, but the real effort comes from the athletes. Gao has faced numerous injuries over the past two years, but he has continued to train relentlessly. His perseverance is truly inspiring.

"Our ultimate goal is the Winter Olympics. With a long preparation period ahead, we're fully committed to giving our best."

Gao joined the Chinese national speed skating team in 2016 and gained recognition at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, winning the bronze in the men's 500m — a first medal for China in the event.

Despite setbacks, including a back injury and a dip in form during the Beijing Olympics cycle, Gao made a strong comeback.

In 2022, he served as the flag bearer for China and broke the Olympic record in the men's 500m, winning China's first-ever Olympic gold in the event.

The Asian Winter Games were an intense challenge, but Gao found the joy of competing outweighed the struggle.

Almost immediately after the final race, he and his teammates jetted off to Europe to compete on the ISU World Tour circuit, with an eye on achieving even greater success at next year's Olympics.

Factfile

Name: Gao Tingyu

Age: 27

Height: 181 centimeters

Birthplace: Yichun, Heilongjiang province

Sport: Speed skating

Achievements:

2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games: Gold in 100m, 500m, and team sprint;

2022 Beijing Winter Olympics: 500m gold

2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: 500m bronze

2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games: 500m gold