Wang Beixing is being interviewed [Photo via CRI Online]

Wang Beixing was once the leading athlete of women's speed skating in China. During her 23 years of sports career, she has not only enjoyed the joy of winning the World Championships but also has the regret of failing to win the gold medal in the three Winter Olympics she attended.

After 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, Wang Beixing chose to retire and then was admitted by the MBA Program at Renmin University of China. Although she has left the competition arena, she never says goodbye to speed skating. Wang Beixing is still participating in various activities including promoting speed skating programs, running an ice and snow club, serving as a guest commentator for speed skating competitions, and taking a position in the International Skating Union. Currently, she is in charge of the preparations of speed skating event in the Sports Department of Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and is busier than the time when she was an athlete.

Although her work is still related to the speed skating that she is familiar with, shifting from an athlete to an event organizer is still a big change of role for her. "When I was an athlete, all of the staffs in an event worked to bring me convenience. Now, as an organizer, I have the responsibility to serve all athletes well." However, being an athlete once also helps Wang Beixing fulfill her job responsibilities. She believes that she can accurately understand the needs of athletes in time with her experience as an athlete for many years, and guide her team to better serve all athletes.

Wang Beixing said that she would wait for the official start of the speed skating competition at the "Ice Ribbon" (The National Speed Skating Oval) during the  2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, welcoming athletes from all over the world to Beijing. "I will be at the National Speed Skating Oval, expecting the start of Beijing 2022 like an athlete waiting for the shot of starting guns."

(Note: Content source is from CRI Online.)