By Emily Goddard

Li Yan, second left, will continue as China's short track speed skating coach until Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty ImagesLi Yan will continue to coach the Chinese short track speed skating squad through their preparations for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, it has been announced.

The 45-year-old Albertville 1992 silver medallist has renewed her contract with the Chinese Skating Association (CSA), having already led the skaters to a clean sweep of all the gold medals in the four women's short track events at Vancouver 2010 and two gold, three silver and one bronze at Sochi 2014.

"The Chinese national team is a very good platform for the coaches and I am very lucky to stay," said Li, who also won the women's 1,000 metres gold medal at Calgary 1988 when short track speed skating was an exhibition event.

"This job is very challenging.

"I felt really tired after the Sochi Games, but now I am refreshed after the break and ready to take new challenge."

Zhou Yang claimed one of China's two short track speed skating gold medals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics ©AFP/Getty ImagesZhou Yang claimed one of China's two short track speed skating gold medals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics ©AFP/Getty Images


Although she is confident in her team's ability, Li admitted China will face stiff competition from hosts South Korea at Pyeongchang 2018.

"They [South Korea] have a very good tradition in short track, they have very good skaters and they will be competing on home soil," she added.

"For sure, the challenge will be there, the pressure will be there, but we will just focus on our side and do the best we can."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]