Han Cong ends hiatus to partner Sui Wenjing in bid to repeat as pairs Olympic champion
In an exciting development in the world of professional figure skating, the International Skating Union confirmed on Friday that Han Cong will partner with Sui Wenjing for the upcoming Grand Prix of Figure Skating season. This announcement marks the long-anticipated reunion of the champion duo, over seven months after they last graced the ice together.
Sui Wenjing, who made headlines earlier this year with her return to training ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, finally unveiled Han Cong as her partner. The pair’s impressive previous collaboration culminated in their victory for the People’s Republic of China at the Beijing 2022 Games, cementing their legacy in pairs skating.
The naming of Sui and Han to the preliminary list of Grand Prix assignments indicates their intention to reclaim their Olympic title, a prestigious achievement that brings new expectations and excitement to the sport.
Despite the extensive time spent away from competition, Sui has been diligently preparing, having returned to training back in December. Initially, Sui was associated with a new partner, but with Han now stepping back into the rink, all eyes are on the duo as they aim to defend their title.
In a recent interview, Sui shared her motivations for returning, highlighting the responsibility she feels to mentor the younger generation of skaters. “I hope to be able to lead the younger generation to a brighter future, especially in pairs skating,” she remarked. Sui’s dedication to the sport reflects not only her personal ambition but her sense of duty towards her country and fellow athletes.
Although Han Cong originally signaled his intention to step back from competition in the current Olympic cycle, the chance to defend their championship title appears to have reignited his passion. This moment marks a new chapter that could redefine the essence of team sports within figure skating, as expectations become higher than ever. As this journey unfolds towards the Milano Cortina Games, figure skating fans worldwide are eager to witness their next performance on the ice.
