In 2019, I had a unique and incredible opportunity to work for the Chinese Olympic Team as a Strength &; Conditioning Coach in the sport of Speed Skating. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this sport, there are 2 varieties within the Winter Olympics-- Long Track and Short Track. I was fortunate to work with and appreciate both. Here, we compare both styles.
Names in The Game
In Long Track, traditionally, The Netherlands (Dutch) is the best in the world (which would explain why I worked with so many of them on the coaching staff). American Eric Heiden (who won an unprecedented 5 Gold Medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics at 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m), American Shani Davis (whom I also worked with, is a 2-time Gold and 2-time silver medalist) and Dutch Skater Sven Kramer (9 overall Olympic medals including 4 Gold) are a few names that may be familiar to some.
In Short Track, South Korea, China, and the United States are always among the top contenders for the podium in the Olympics. The most decorated American Olympian at the Winter Olympics is Apolo Ohno (8 Olympic medals including 2 Gold). The most decorated Chinese Winter Olympic athlete (4 Olympic gold medals and 6 overall) is Wang Meng (Former Director of Chinese National Speed Skating – both long and short track – during my time with the team).
