Olympic champion Lin Xiaojun ‘grateful’ to new country China for chance to keep skating
Former South Korean tells state media TV programme that being part of the Chinese team has been a turning point in his career
Lin Xiaojun, the former South Korean speed skater now competing for China, has expressed gratitude to the Chinese team as he gets set to make his first and possibly last Olympic appearance for his new country, eight years after switching nationalities.
The Olympic gold medallist was banned from training with his native national team before being signed by the Chinese Skating Association, but missed the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics because of IOC rules.
Appearing on a recent state media TV programme about the coming Winter Olympics, Lin repeatedly said joining the Chinese team was a turning point in his career as it gave him the chance to keep competing.
“Eight years have passed. It’s really not been easy. There have been many hard days, but I’ve managed to get through them,” Lin, who was born Lim Hyo-jun, said.
He said he felt very lucky and was “very grateful” to be part of the Chinese team.
“Everyone in the team, from team leaders to coaches to teammates, has given me encouragement and support, helping me get through every day and continue my sports career,” he said.