montreal Short Track Speed Skating World Tour: Who to watch in 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Tour kicks off in Montreal,and all eyes will be on the host nation’s own William Dandjinou. Last season’s Crystal globe champion, Dandjinou has established himself as a rare “all-around warrior” in the sport, excelling across the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m distances. his blend of physical prowess and remarkable composure under pressure makes him a formidable force in a sport known for its unpredictable nature.
Dandjinou, hailing from Quebec, remains grounded despite his success. No victory can be taken for granted. We must go all out for every game,and this is what we are doing,
he stated in an interview with ISU,emphasizing his team’s commitment to consistent effort.
The Canadian team’s depth is a significant advantage. Teammate Steven Dubois, the reigning 500m world champion, is another strong contender for the overall title. Adding to the international challenge, Dutch skater Jens van ‘t Wout, a close friend of Dandjinou, possesses the talent to contend for medals in multiple events. Italian skater Pietro Sighel also showed notable form late last season and is poised for a strong showing as he prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics on home ice.
From Asia, the formidable Chinese “Dragon team,” with a rich history of Olympic and World Championship success, is expected to be a major force. Lin Xiaojuan, the 2024 World Championships 500m gold medalist, and Sun Long, the 1500m champion, lead the charge. The enigmatic liu brothers, Liu shaolin and Liu Shao’ang, Olympic champions themselves, continue to be a factor, even if their sustained dominance since switching allegiance to China has been elusive.Their world-class talent remains undeniable.
South Korea’s “White Tigers,” a traditional powerhouse, are looking to rebound after a somewhat subdued 2024/25 season. They’ve assembled a potent squad featuring 1500m Olympic champion Hwang Dae-heon and rising star Jang Sung-woo,signaling their intent to reclaim their top spot. Notably, two-time Crystal Globe winner Park Ji-won was not selected for the national team this season and will miss this event, a significant absence for the Korean contingent.
The field will also feature emerging talents eager to make their mark. Japan’s Shogo Miyata, Roberts Krūzbergs of Latvia, and the next wave of Canadian talent, including Mathieu Pelletier, will all be vying for podium finishes in the season opener.
Areas for Further Examination:
- The impact of the new season’s rule changes, if any, on skater strategies and outcomes.
- The long-term development trajectory of emerging stars like Jang Sung-woo and Mathieu Pelletier.
- How the absence of Park Ji-won might affect the dynamics within the South Korean team and the overall competition.
- The strategic approaches of teams like China and Canada in balancing individual medal pursuits with relay success.
