Hong Kong Olympian Sidney Chu hopes to train with US national team as part of preparations for 2026 Winter Games
- Short-track speed skater leaves for the United States next month to take up a place at Rutgers’ New Jersey Medical School
- Chu says he is stepping back from competition to reflect on the past 6 months, but is aiming to compete in Italy in 4 years
Hong Kong speed skater Sidney Chu hopes to train with the US national team as part of his preparations to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Chu, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Friday, represented Hong Kong at the Beijing Winter Games earlier this year, finishing 24th in the men’s short-track 500m event.
While not fully committing to the Milano-Cortina Games in four years’ time, Chu said his aim was to take part, although he heads to the United States next month to start medical school, adding he would not race competitively as a result.
“I’m continuing training this year, but just taking a step back for all the competitions, just like reflecting on a few things, and maybe in three years, I’ll be back [to the Olympics],” Chu, who placed 24th in the men’s 500m event at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in February, said.
Chu, who graduated from George Washington University last year with majors in public health and biology, has been admitted to Rutgers’ New Jersey Medical School for the next four years.
“I’m keen on trying to keep up with my sport and my school as a medical student, it’ll be very exciting and challenging,” he said.