China’s premier short track speed skater Lin Xiaojun has ignited massive excitement among fans by sharing a heartfelt video of himself cheering for the national team during a rehearsal for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The post, uploaded to Weibo, features Lin alongside athletes waving Chinese national flags and smartphones, all under the caption “China Fighting!”
Fan Frenzy Over the Viral Post
The video quickly went viral, amassing over 168,000 likes and more than 3,000 comments. Enthusiastic Chinese fans flooded the post with messages like “Welcome home,” “Gold medal incoming,” “Fighting,” and “Head to Milano.” Lin, who boasts 23.8 million Weibo followers, stands as China’s highest-ranked short track athlete and top star in the sport.
A Storied Career and National Pride
Lin Xiaojun, formerly known by his Korean name Im Hyo-jun, brings a compelling backstory to his comeback. He earned silver in the 1500m and bronze in the 500m at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics while representing South Korea. However, a 2019 doping violation led to a one-year ban and prompted his naturalization as a Chinese citizen on January 23, 2021.
Despite challenges, including a two-year doping suspension ending recently, Lin has shown remarkable resilience. He secured national team spots in the 2022-2023 ISU World Cup and claimed three podium finishes in the 2023-2024 season World Cup circuit. International Olympic Committee rules require a three-year wait after an athlete’s last Olympics with their previous country before competing for a new one, making Lin eligible after PyeongChang.
Aiming for Gold in Milano-Cortina
Barred from the Beijing 2022 Games due to timing, Lin now eyes redemption at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. In a recent CCTV interview ahead of the national team selection on the 3rd, he declared, “This will be my last Olympics. I’m aiming for the best results.”
He added, “I’ve rejoined the team after two years, and every day since the Olympics feels brand new.” Competing in the 5000m relay as China’s lead skater, Lin faces fierce rivalry from South Korea. “The Chinese team delivers top performances in every race, and I’m right there with them,” he stated. “Eight years have passed with many obstacles, but I’ve overcome them. Joining the Chinese team was the right decision, and every moment fills me with pride.”
Deepening Ties with China
After five years in China, Lin expressed, “Even after the Olympics, China’s culture draws me back, and I want to contribute through my studies and efforts. I want to do even better here.” He emphasized his commitment: “Representing China is an honor. Sharing glory with teammates and achieving the best motivates me daily. I’ll deliver top results at these Olympics too.”
