Yanqing, China, February 11, 2022: China shook up the Olympic sliding world with an unexpected bronze medal in men’s skeleton at the National Sliding Centre on Friday night.
Germany’s two-time world champion Christopher Grotheer won the gold in a combined time for the four runs of 4 minutes, 01.01 seconds, ahead of his fellow German Axel Jungk, who took silver in 4:01.67, 0.66 seconds behind.
Yan clocked 4:01.77, 0.76 seconds behind the winner, to take the bronze medal – the first Olympic medal for China in a sliding event. Another Chinese, Yin Zheng, was fifth in 4:02.13.
“I didn’t even think I was able to win a bronze medal; I didn’t think I was this strong,” Yan said.
Heat 3 and Heat 4 were conducted at night, as opposed to the first two heats which were held in the morning.
“Before the competition today, I told myself not to worry. The athletes from other countries have never raced on the track at night before, so Heat 3 is when the competition really begins. When Heat 4 came around, I told myself to just go for it, just show what I’ve been able to do in training.
“We have the home ground advantage, and that just made me feel we can’t not capitalise on that and win a medal," Yan added.
"I really, really wanted the gold medal, but I’m not good enough for that. To beat Germany...it’s very hard. No matter their pool of talent, their resources and technology, they’re just so strong. But we never let that affect us.”
Grotheer agreed that China is an up-and-coming force in skeleton, with the women also having posted creditable results after two runs.
"The Chinese have perfect conditions for training here with this outstanding track and to invest in a new generation,” the German said.
"The team have become very strong and you have seen that at these Games. Also in the women's event, the Chinese are doing really well.
"I would like to congratulate Yan; his performance is very strong. To work your way up to the top in such a short time, and the times he has been doing, is really top-notch.
"To compete internationally and gain experience on many different tracks, kudos to the Chinese team. They have really done excellent work in the past couple of years."
Photo: CGTN