Dialogue｜Gao Tingyu: I am the strongest starting runner in the world today, no one

　　Early twenties, easy to impetuous age.

But 24-year-old Gao Tingyu calmed down.

　　During the Beijing Winter Olympics, Gao Tingyu rarely appeared in public.

For four years, he was doing one thing - replacing

　　In the men's 500-meter speed skating at the Beijing Winter Olympics, Gao Tingyu broke the record of the Winter Olympics and climbed to the top podium he coveted.

　　Four years ago in Pyeongchang, the first Chinese men's speed skating Winter Olympic medal belonged to Gao Tingyu; four years later in Beijing, the first Chinese men's speed skating Winter Olympic gold medal belonged to Gao Tingyu.

Never forget, there will always be an echo.

　　Because of a pair of roller skates, young Gao Tingyu became attached to skating.

Coincidence seems to indicate that he is destined to be born for the sport.

　　Competitive sports is a difficult road, and my parents didn't want Gao Tingyu to suffer.

But his love and perseverance made them turn to unconditional support because they couldn't bear it.

　　As the flag bearer of the Chinese sports delegation, Gao Tingyu was crowned the Winter Olympics champion.

Climb high step by step, Yuanting Mountain stands, and the sound shakes the world.

Gao Tingyu told China-Singapore Sports that this heavy gold medal is just the beginning of Chinese men's speed skating.

The picture shows Gao Tingyu at the ceremony of awarding souvenirs at the Beijing Winter Olympics, taken by China News Agency reporter Mao Jianjun

Winter Olympics

China-Singapore Sports: Looking back on the preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which experiences impressed you the most?

　　Gao Tingyu: Mutual trust with the coach, as well as the silent dedication of the entire team.

I am deeply touched by everyone's tolerance for each other.

Everyone gave me their hearts and minds, and I lived up to their expectations.

　　After winning the gold medal, everyone hugged tightly.

At that time, I felt very competitive, and the Chinese can do it too.

We won the Olympic championship with the All-China class team, especially in the basic physical fitness project, which is equivalent to running or swimming (in the Summer Olympics).

China-Singapore Sports: As you said, this gold medal carries a lot of weight.

Speed ​​skating is the basic major of ice and snow sports, but the Chinese men's speed skating foundation was weak before, until you appeared and achieved this big leap.

What is the biggest difficulty behind completing the historic breakthrough?

　　Gao Tingyu: It may be my injury, plus my age.

　　We have no advantages, and we face many difficulties if we want to reach the international level.

In this process, we continue to learn from advanced countries and top players in the field, including training methods, medical means, logistical support, etc.

The picture shows Gao Tingyu at the award ceremony.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jun

China-Singapore Sports: You are recognized as one of the strongest runners in the world today. How did you develop this technique?

　　Gao Tingyu: None.

As for the secret, I think it is to gradually improve the various details of the start by analyzing the technical movements with the coaching staff.

　　I cooperated with the coaching staff very well, so the start will be faster and faster.

In the future, it may be even faster.

China-Singapore Sports: When did you feel that you could win this gold medal?

　　Gao Tingyu: Maybe every student's dream is Tsinghua University and Peking University; and every athlete's dream is to stand on the top podium.

　　From the day you start training, everyone wants to get the best results.

I don't think anyone is an exception.

China-Singapore Sports: Another Winter Olympic champion Zhang Hong presented you with a gold medal.

How do you feel when the champion awards the champion?

　　Gao Tingyu: I hope I can give the Chinese speed skating team a good start, so as to lead the younger generation and pass on the spirit and style of the team.

　　Looking forward to the young players to break through themselves in the future, create more and more records, get more medals and even gold medals.

On the evening of February 4, the opening ceremony of the 24th Beijing Winter Olympic Games, which attracted worldwide attention, was grandly held at the National Stadium.

The picture shows the entrance of the Chinese delegation.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jun

flag bearer

China-Singapore Sports: You are the flag-bearer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Chinese sports delegation at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Looking back on this experience, how do you feel differently?

　　Gao Tingyu: When I became the flag bearer for the opening ceremony, I was actually very nervous.

But since I was chosen, I will definitely dance the flag best.

With great success, Zhao Dan and I want to make a good start for the Chinese sports delegation.

　　Closing ceremony, I am more release.

Sister He Tao (Xu Mengtao) planned a plan to "high" China's "dream", but also to raise the national flag to the highest point.

　　She knew I had a back injury and was worried it would make it worse.

We rehearsed once, and it felt like we could do it.

　　When I entered the "Bird's Nest", I heard everyone's cheers.

We walked in the front, and the atmosphere immediately warmed up.

　　It is a pleasure to let the world see our flag.

The motherland is getting stronger and better, and I am very proud and proud.

The picture shows Gao Tingyu celebrating the victory.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jun

China-Singapore Sports: The double flag-bearer is a great affirmation.

In your upbringing, talent or hard work, which played a more important role?

　　Gao Tingyu:

　　Men's speed skating has the same position as the 100 meters in track and field.

In pure physical competition, the players over there (Europe and America) are stronger.

It is very difficult for Chinese athletes to reach the top level, we do not have any advantage.

　　But I want to challenge the hardest things, and I want to make it to the extreme, step by step.

There are no shortcuts here.

I compare myself to myself, to the time, to the limits of my body.

　　I hope this gold medal can make young players not want to be too lofty, but do it down-to-earth.

China's speed skating will develop better and better.

The picture shows Gao Tingyu in the game.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jun

Life

China-Singapore Sports: I heard that when you first started skating, your parents didn't want you to become a professional athlete out of concern for you, so you secretly took skating lessons.

Is this true?

How to convince them later?

　　Gao Tingyu: That's right.

When I was a child, I liked skating very much, and it happened that the school also had related courses, so I have been practicing slowly in the school.

The more I practiced, the more I liked it, and then gradually moved towards a career.

　　The reason why I was discovered by my parents was because I came home late every day.

My family couldn't see me during normal school hours, so they came to the school and found me skating.

　　My parents are very open-minded.

Because that's what I'm interested in, they chose to support.

As for injuries, I generally don't talk to my family.

Just treat yourself, don't let them worry.

China-Singapore Sports: You are galloping and domineering on the field.

What about you in life?

Serious, humorous, or more conversational?

　　Gao Tingyu: All of them account for some, or it is related to whether they are familiar with each other or not.

Northeasterners are basically very humorous.

China-Singapore Sports: Besides speed skating, what other sports do you like?

　　Gao Tingyu: Recently, I have played curling with coaches and teammates, which is both exciting and novel.

When I feel like I can hit, I always miss; when I feel like I can't hit, I can hit again.

This control and feeling on the ice is very different from speed skating.

　　In addition, there are basketball, billiards, badminton and so on.

China-Singapore Sports: How do you usually relax?

Whose song do you like to listen to?

　　Gao Tingyu: When I have time, I will follow dramas and watch interesting variety shows.

　　I like Jay Chou very much, and his songs are basically in the playlist.

Usually I like to listen to "Nocturne", "Fireworks Easy to Cold", "All the Way to the North", etc., and like "Drift" when exercising.

China-Singapore Sports: Introduce your favorite food.

Is milk tea very far away from you?

　　Gao Tingyu: Pot-wrapped meat, fresh food, grilled cold noodles (laughs), I also like to eat seafood.

A dietitian will help us balance various energy intakes in our usual diet.

　　I can drink milk tea, but if I get fat, I dare not drink it.

Look at Jay Chou, what does the milk tea look like (laughs)?

The picture shows Gao Tingyu celebrating the victory.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jun

future

China-Singapore Sports: What are you doing during the quarantine period, and what are your plans after that?

　　Gao Tingyu: Because there may be competitions in the future, I am training normally during this period to maintain my competitive level.

　　After the quarantine is over, plan to go home to rest and adjust yourself.

If the epidemic situation allows, I want to go out for a walk with my family.

　　Academically, I will go to graduate school.

The specific major has not yet been selected, and I will tell you later.

China-Singapore Sports: How is the injury situation?

What are your plans for the future cycle?

　　Gao Tingyu: Now most of the injury has healed, and he is still undergoing treatment and is in the process of gradual recovery.

　　The next four years will be the same as the Beijing Winter Olympics cycle.

　　These two years are mainly based on rest, and the results may not be very good.

For an Olympic cycle, the first two years must be paved and accumulated.

After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, I disappeared for more than 3 years, and it was gradually revealed this season.

China-Singapore Sports: The weather is getting warmer.

Many friends want to lose weight, do you have a good way?

　　Gao Tingyu: Keep your mouth shut and spread your legs.

　　It is more important to stretch your legs, because today's young people are too lazy to move if they can (laughs).