Qu Chunyu, China’s prominent short track speed skater and former “Penalty Queen,” delivered an emotional retirement announcement, shedding tears during the declaration.
Farewell at 2026 Winter Olympics
Officials confirm Qu Chunyu plans a final competitive appearance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as her farewell event. This follows her strong performance matching key benchmarks in the recent mixed team relay competition.
Qu Chunyu explained that overwhelming emotions, mixed with anxiety and gratitude, led to the tearful moment. She highlighted her transition from dominating short track to embracing new challenges.
Storied Career Highlights
In 2016, Qu Chunyu swept gold medals in the women’s 500m, 1000m, and 3000m at the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, solidifying her status as a Chinese powerhouse. Her career also includes a pivotal role in China’s Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics mixed team relay gold medal.
Despite her achievements, Qu Chunyu earned the “Penalty Queen” moniker due to frequent infractions, including high-profile incidents at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics that influenced key races like the women’s 1000m semifinal.
Olympic Selection Race in Milan
On February 10 in Milan, Italy, Lin Xiaojun secured victory in the men’s 1000m selection race at the All-Arena, topping the standings as the top favorite. Starting fourth in the time trial, he advanced through match races against Italy and the Netherlands.
China advanced to the final but fell to third after a clash with France, yet Lin Xiaojun clinched the win in the decisive two-person race. This performance positions him as a medal hopeful for the 2026 Olympics mixed team relay, where China targets back-to-back golds.
Legacy and Teammates
Qu Chunyu steps away having passed the “Penalty Queen” mantle to teammate Fan Kexin, the remaining Beijing gold medalist from that event and partner in the famed duo. Fan Kexin, nicknamed the “Pancake Fairy,” is slated to compete in the women’s 500m and 3000m at the 2026 Games.
China fields Lin Xiaojun prominently for the mixed relay, signaling continued ambitions in short track speed skating.
