China's short-track speedsters picking up medal pace

With new contenders emerging and veterans shaking off the rust, China's short-track speed skating team enjoyed a fruitful World Cup season ahead of the home Olympics.

After a long hiatus from international events due to the pandemic, Team China's 16-medal haul, including seven gold, from the four World Cup meets bodes well for the nation's chances on home ice at next year's Winter Games.

Based on the results of the Cup series, Chinese skaters have ranked high enough in all individual disciplines－men's and women's 500m, 1,000m and 1,500m－to secure the host up to three qualification spots in each of the six events and one berth in each of the three relays at Beijing 2022.