Manli WANG

A former long jumper, Wang Manli became one of the world's best 500 m skaters. Her breakthrough season was in 2003/2004, when she won her first World Cup races, and ended up taking home the overall World Cup. In addition, she took home the world title by winning both heats. She repeated these successes in 2005, again winning the 500 m World Championships and World Cup. A big favorite for the gold in Torino, Wang was hugely disappointed by losing out to Svetlana Zhurova and having to contend with silver. Earlier in the season, Wang had won her first ever medal at the World Sprint Championships, also finishing behind Zhurova. Due to her lesser 1000 m, Wang had never done better than fourth in these championships. She retired after the 2006 season.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.28 (2006); 1000 – 1:14.89 (2006); 1500 – 2:09.06 (1999); 3000 – 5:02.01 (1999); 5000 – 9:02.78 (1992).