China's sports delegation has named speed skater Ning Zhongyan and short track speed skater Zhang Chutong as flag bearers for its team at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Ning, a leading figure in men's middle-distance speed skating, achieved strong results at the 2022 Beijing Games; Zhang, competing in her second Olympics, plans to stay calm and treat each round like a final.
(ECNS) China's sports delegation announced on Friday that 26-year-old speed skater Ning Zhongyan and 22-year-old short track speed skater Zhang Chutong will serve as flag bearers for the Chinese team at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Ning Zhongyan is a leading figure in China's men's middle-distance speed skating program. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, he finished seventh in the 1,500 meters and fifth in the 1,000 meters. He later won three gold medals at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin and placed third overall in the men's 1,500 meters World Cup standings this season. These achievements highlight his suitability as a flag bearer.
Zhang Chutong will compete in her second Winter Olympics. She was part of China's bronze medal-winning women's 3,000-meter relay team in short track speed skating at the Beijing Games. At the 2025 Asian Winter Games, she secured gold in the women's relay and bronze in the 1,000 meters. Looking ahead to Milan, Zhang said: "I will stay calm and approach each round as a final."
This selection underscores the rapid development of China's winter sports since the Beijing Olympics, where the country has made significant strides in speed skating and short track events. The Milan-Cortina Games, running from February 6 to 22, mark Italy's second time hosting the Winter Olympics, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Ning and Zhang's roles not only represent national pride but also inspire youth participation in winter sports, boosting China's ice and snow industry.
