"The mountainside is always the most crowded. You have to go to the top of the mountain to see it." Ning Zhongyan finally realized his wish he made six years ago and his dream four years later in Milan with a world-shaking ride. With a time of 1 minute, 41 seconds and 98 seconds, a new Olympic record, he jumped onto the highest podium of the men's 1,500-meter speed skating event as he wished, enjoying the glory of the pinnacle. This time he said: "The scenery on the top of the mountain is so great!"
One gold and two bronze medals were Ning Zhongyan’s answer at this Winter Olympics. The entrusted flag bearer at the opening ceremony also used his outstanding performance to fill the gap in the ice event gold medal account for the Chinese delegation at this Winter Olympics. "I always believe that I can beat my opponent (Ness in the same group), but I don't believe that I can win the gold medal." Having the last laugh in the fierce competition like a "fight between gods", 26-year-old Ning Zhongyan cried with joy. He said frankly after the game that he couldn't believe the speed of his skating: "'Crazy'! I didn't expect to be able to skate so fast. When the coach reported it, I thought it was a fake time, but I really tried my best in the last lap. I almost used 120% of my strength."
This time, Ning Zhongyan finally jumped to the highest peak
This is Ning Zhongyan’s second Olympic trip. Four years ago in Beijing, the rising speed skating star, who was under heavy pressure, performed abnormally in the main event of 1,500 meters and only ranked seventh. Unwilling to give in, he refused to leave for a long time after the game, gliding around the venue lap after lap. For a long time, he didn't want to think back to that moment when his heart was on the verge of collapse. After finally reconciling with himself, Ning Zhongyan decided to prepare for the Milan Winter Olympics in a new way: "Only by facing everything calmly can you gain a new life."
Starting from 2023, Ning Zhongyan, who is actively seeking change, will join an overseas club, hoping to make up for his shortcomings and further enhance his competitiveness through professional and refined external training. Struggling to overcome the unprecedented loneliness and getting used to not being constantly reminded by a coach, Ning Zhongyan gradually began to enjoy the sense of solidity brought by self-discipline and independent thinking, and his understanding of the project became deeper.
With the confidence accumulated in the international arena over the past two years, Ning Zhongyan came to Milan and stood on the Olympic stage again with a more peaceful mind. In the first 1,000-meter competition, he used a bronze medal to formally bid farewell to himself four years ago. In the subsequent team pursuit race, he and his teammates joined hands to create history. When looking forward to the 1,500-meter battle, he admitted that he did not put any pressure on himself: "I don't think about anything, I just try my best."
After Milan handed over 1 gold and 2 bronze results, Ning Zhongyan cried with joy
Standing on the star-studded 1,500-meter track, Ning Zhongyan was flanked by the world record holder and Dutch veteran Ness. Starting from the inner lane, he gave it his all. After falling behind at the beginning, he completed a counterattack at the third timing point. After struggling to cross the line, the newly set Olympic record was rewritten again. Ning Zhongyan became the only winner to break the 1 minute and 42 seconds mark.
The wait for victory did not last long. The American genius Stolz, who appeared in the finale, finished the race in 1 minute, 42 seconds and 75 seconds, ranking second. After releasing his clenched fists and embracing the Dutch coach passionately, Ning Zhongyan looked up to the sky and shouted, tears welling up in his eyes. Facing the cheers of the entire audience, he walked around the stadium wearing the national flag to celebrate. Four years of hard work and perseverance finally brought this moment of success.
(This newspaper’s exclusive dispatch from Milan on February 19)
