Sui/Han: “To stand on the ice again together feels both brave and exciting”

Chinese Pair Skaters Wenjing Sui and Cong Han have won everything you can win in the sport: Olympic gold and silver, two World titles, several Four Continents titles, the ISU Grand Prix Final and more. When their names suddenly appeared on the ISU Grand Prix roster for the 2025/26 season, it was a big surprise. They started training together again in spring 2025 and came back for the Grand Prix, earning two bronze medals at the Cup of China and the NHK Trophy.

What made you come back after winning the gold medal at Beijing 2022?

Cong: As for me, I felt the responsibility to come back to the competition.

Wenjing: I was aware of the difficult situation (of team China) in figure skating in this cycle. As an athlete raised and sponsored by the nation, I have more to give and I feel the responsibility to help. However, I came across a lot of difficulties when I first decided to come back. For example, Cong decided to retire, and I had to figure out how I could continue. That was a big problem to me, but I’m glad I’m back to the competition now.

What was the most difficult thing when you made this important decision?

Cong: I already had other jobs to do, so I had to give up some things. I had to get ready within a short term. It felt like something hard to accomplish. But deep down I knew there would be only few opportunities to compete, so I really cherished these opportunities, did my best, focused on the present, challenged myself, and hopefully I will get a satisfying result.

Wenjing: I wish I could come back earlier. The time was so short for us. A month ago (in September), we could only perform single elements. It was a huge elevation for us within a month, but I shouldered huge mental pressure every day. I felt very nervous about our performance in real competitions.