Gao Tingyu celebrates after winning gold at National Speed Skating Oval, Beijing, China, Feb 12, 2022. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Despite his record time, Gao still wasn't totally satisfied with his performance.

"I pulled a leg muscle yesterday, so I didn't skate in my optimum physical condition. I reckon I could shorten the record more," said Gao, who despite his lightning-fast heroics on ice describes himself as a person who likes to live life in the slow lane.

"I like the sound of wind beside my ears when I skate. It feels exciting," said Gao, who draped himself in the national flag to celebrate around the infield of the oval.

His victory earned applause from dethroned champ Lorentzen, as well as a fellow Chinese Olympic hero, Zhang Hong.

"He was impressive. He's been the favorite all season, since he skated so fast in the first World Cup meet. He raced so fast that everyone thought it would be impossible to beat him here at the Olympics," said Lorentzen, who finished 15th. "It's cool to see that he succeeds on home soil. I congratulate him."

Zhang, China's first Olympic gold medalist in speed skating, was thrilled to see a Chinese man finally top the podium in the sport.

"I'm very glad to see my championship has been passed on after eight years," said Zhang, who retired in 2018."Gao is more confident and more mature than me. I hope he can enjoy the moment.

"Now I can say to the world that we have the best speed skaters, the best venue and we are truly a winter sports country."

leilei@chinadaily.com.cn

China's Gao Tingyu in action during the speed skating men's 500m match at National Speed Skating Oval, Beijing, China, Feb 12, 2022. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]