As the International Skating Union (ISU) World Short Track Speed Skating Championships return to Beijing's Capital Indoor Stadium this week, officials and skaters shared their expectations for the event during a press conference Wednesday.

Li Wenlong (C) of China competes during the semifinals of the mixed team relay at the ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Seoul, South Korea, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

The championships, running Friday through Sunday, will feature 164 skaters from 36 countries and regions. This marks the first time Beijing has hosted the event since 2005.

"Beijing has world-class venues, excellent organization, passionate fans, and reliable partners," ISU President Kim Jae-youl said. "We are thrilled to unveil our new branding for short track, which captures the fast, dynamic, and explosive nature of the sport. We will do everything we can to make skaters shine even brighter."

During the 2024-25 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Tour, China earned five gold, two silver, and five bronze medals across six events. In December, the Chinese team secured victories in the men's 500m, men's 5,000m relay, and mixed relay at the World Tour event in Beijing.

Canadian skater William Dandjinou and Kristen Santos-Griswold of the United States won the men's and women's ISU Crystal Globe titles this season and will both compete in the upcoming championships.

"I am really happy to have won the Crystal Globe. It was an amazing season for me and my team, but nothing is given to you in short track. I have to earn everything," said Dandjinou, 23. "The World Championships is another opportunity to prove myself and do my best."

Santos-Griswold reflected on her season, saying, "What I am most proud of this year was my ability to persevere through every competition. I had a lot of struggles with falling or not having my best races, but I was able to bounce back. I just tried to take one step at a time and do my best."