Just a year ago, William Dandjinou (CAN) was a minor player in Short Track: he had only one senior individual podium to his name (a bronze at the Four Continents 1000m), his three other medals coming in the relay.
By the time he arrived at the Nederlandse Loterij 2024 ISU World Short Track Championships, however, the tall Canadian had become an athlete to respect and fear, having won three individual ISU World Cup gold medals this season.
He capped this rapid ascent on Sunday with his first major title, prevailing in a dramatic 1000m race.
China, meanwhile, capped a terrific weekend with gold in the men’s relay, marking the first World Championship title for superstar Short Track brothers Shaolin and Shaoang Liu (CHN) since they transferred their allegiance to the country from their native Hungary.
Korean clash paves way for Canada victory
Republic of Korea started this weekend as favorites to win the 1000m and 1500m with Hwang Dae Heon (KOR) and Park Ji Won (KOR) having by far the best pedigree in the field.
Unfortunately, the duo were so closely matched they ended up self-destructing. Yesterday, Hwang crashed into Park while attempting a pass in the 1500m final, eliminating them both.
On Sunday, the same thing happened, with Hwang again impeding this season’s Crystal Globe winner late in the race.
It allowed Dandjinou, who was already well positioned, to glide into the lead. Pietro Sighel (ITA) put in a desperate late charge for gold, but was pipped on the line by the smallest of margins. His steadily-improving Italian teammate Luca Spechenhauser grabbed a well-deserved bronze.
