Lin Xiaojun, speed skater who switched from South Korea to China, vows to win over public
- Lin, formerly a Korean sporting hero named Lim Hyo-jun, says he feels ‘already Chinese’ and has promised to win titles for his new country
Naturalised speed skater Lin Xiaojun, who was banned from representing South Korea because of a now-overturned sexual harassment charge, has vowed to win a gold medal for his adopted country, claiming he is “already Chinese”.
Olympic gold medallist Lin – born Lim Hyo-jun in Daegu, South Korea – became a Chinese athlete almost exactly four years ago when the Chinese Skating Association snapped him up following his ban from training in and competing under the Taegeukgi.
Although Lin missed out on the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 and will have to wait until 2026 to represent his new country on the biggest stage, the 28-year-old has promised to deliver more wins for China.
“I am very aware that one day I will win a gold medal again, and I firmly believe this – it’s just a matter of time,” Lin told Chinese media outlet Titan Sports.
“Now, I am getting better year by year, and I hope everyone can look forward to my upcoming competitions.”
Lin won gold for South Korea at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in the 1,500 metres short-track speed skating.
