On February 24, 2023, Luo Zhihuan donated the competition uniform he wore when he participated in the competition to the Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau. Provided by Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau
Harbin, Feb. 24, 2023 (Reporter Wang Nina) On February 24, 2023, on the 60th anniversary of winning China's first winter sports world championship, Luo Zhihuan donated the competition uniform he wore when he participated in the competition to the Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau. The uniform was included in the Heilongjiang Sports History Pavilion.
On February 24, 1963, in the final of the 57th World Men's Speed Skating Championships in Nagano, Japan, Luo Zhihuan stood in front of the starting line. "Zhihuan, you look down to see what is on your chest?" A few seconds before the start of the game, the coach said to him. Looking at the national emblem and the word "China" embroidered on the sweater, the 21-year-old Luo Zhihuan nodded silently, he understood the coach's intention - he is a Chinese athlete, and he must win glory and fight for the motherland.
On February 24, 1963, Law Chi-hwan in the competition. Provided by Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau
After the starting gun sounded, Luo Zhihuan was like a wild horse out of control, sliding to the finish line at a rapid speed: "It feels like I'm not me anymore, and at that moment I feel too powerful!" "In the end, Law Chi Hwan broke the world record with a time of 2:09.02." As I crossed the finish line, there was a cry of 'Long live China' in the race. Law Zhihuan recalled.
Luo Zhihuan stood on the world championship podium, becoming the first world champion in Chinese history to win a winter event. At this moment, the eyes of the world saw China.
"I use my performance to prove that China is no worse than anyone else in winter sports!" Luo Zhihuan said excitedly.
Law Chi Hwan stands on the world championship podium. Provided by Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau
Since then, February 24 has become the most important day in Luo Zhihuan's life. February 24, 1963 is also regarded as the starting point for Chinese ice and snow sports people to constantly break through themselves and challenge their limits, and Luo Zhihuan is the pioneer of leading China's winter sports to the world. Every year on February 24, friends will send a message to Luo Zhihuan.
After that, Luo Zhihuan witnessed the moment when young Chinese athletes Zhang Hong and Gao Tingyu made a historic breakthrough for China in the speed skating event at the Winter Olympics. At the age of 81, he appeared as the first torchbearer at the Beijing Winter Olympics torch relay site, becoming one of the classic shots of this Winter Olympics. At the opening ceremony, Luo Zhihuan served as the flag bearer of the Olympic Games together with Li Jiajun, Shen Xue, Han Xiaopeng, Zhang Hui and Zhang Hong, showing the world the spirit of China's ice and snow sports people.
Law Chi Hwan with young speed skaters. Provided by Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau
Sixty years after he won gold in the world arena, Law is now in his prime, and he is still promoting the popularity of winter sports with his own strength. For the future development of Heilongjiang ice and snow projects, Luo Zhihuan sent a message: "I hope that Heilongjiang can keep more outstanding coaches and athletes in their hometowns in the future, help the development of ice and snow sports here, and pass on the glory of Heilongjiang ice and snow projects." (End)
(China News Network)