China News Service, Harbin, February 24 (Reporter Wang Nina) On February 24, 2023, on the 60th anniversary of winning China's first winter event world championship, Luo Zhihuan donated the competition uniform he wore when participating in the competition that year to Heilongjiang Province Sports Authority.
The game uniform was included in the Heilongjiang Sports History Exhibition Hall.
On February 24, 1963, in the 1500-meter final of the 57th World Men's Speed Skating Championships in Nagano, Japan, Luo Zhihuan stood in front of the starting line.
"Zhihuan, look down and see what's on your chest?" The coach said to him a few seconds before the game started.
Looking at the national emblem and the word "China" embroidered on the sweater, the 21-year-old Luo Zhihuan nodded silently. He understood the coach's intention - as a Chinese athlete, he must win glory and work hard for the motherland.
On February 24, 1963, Luo Zhihuan was in the game.
Provided by Sports Bureau of Heilongjiang Province
After the starting gun was fired, Luo Zhihuan slid towards the finish line like a runaway wild horse at a fast speed: "It feels like I am not me anymore. At that moment, I feel that I am too powerful!" In the end, Luo Zhihuan scored 2 minutes and 09 seconds. 02 broke the world record.
"When I crossed the finish line, there was a shout of 'Long Live China' on the field." Luo Zhihuan recalled.
Luo Zhihuan stood on the world championship podium and became the first winter world champion in Chinese history.
At this moment, the eyes of the world saw China.
"I use my performance to prove that China is no worse than anyone else in winter events!" Luo Zhihuan said excitedly.
Luo Zhihuan stood on the podium of the world champion.
Provided by Sports Bureau of Heilongjiang Province
Since then, February 24 has become the most important day in Luo Zhihuan's life.
February 24, 1963 is also regarded as the starting point for Chinese ice and snow sportsmen to constantly break through themselves and challenge their limits. Luo Zhihuan is the pioneer leading Chinese winter sports to the world.
Every year on February 24th, friends will send messages to Luo Zhihuan.
Later, Luo Zhihuan witnessed the moment when young Chinese athletes Zhang Hong and Gao Tingyu made a historic breakthrough for China in the speed skating event of the Winter Olympics.
At the age of 81, as the first torchbearer, he appeared on the scene of the torch relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics and became one of the classic scenes of this Winter Olympics.
At the opening ceremony, Luo Zhihuan, together with Li Jiajun, Shen Xue, Han Xiaopeng, Zhang Hui, and Zhang Hong, served as the Olympic flag bearer, showing the world the high spirits of Chinese ice and snow sportsmen.
Law Chi-hwan with young speed skaters.
Provided by Sports Bureau of Heilongjiang Province
It has been 60 years since he won the gold medal in the world competition. Luo Zhihuan is now an octogenarian. He still promotes the popularity of winter sports by his own strength.
Regarding the future development of Heilongjiang ice and snow events, Luo Zhihuan sent a message: "I hope that Heilongjiang will retain more outstanding coaches and athletes in their hometown in the future to help the development of ice and snow sports here, and let the glory of Heilongjiang ice and snow events be passed on." (End )