Ye Qiaobo

Ye Qiaobo is the first Chinese speed skater to become World Champion. She first made the news at the 1988 World Sprint Championships, because she was disqualified for doping use after placing 12th. Claiming this was the result of an untrustworthy sports doctor, she fought for her return. Her revenge came in 1991, when she finished second on all distances and overall at the World Sprint Championships. The next two years, she improved to win the title twice in a row. A favourite for the 1992 Olympics, she was defeated twice by Bonnie Blair and took home two silver medals in the sprint distances - China’s first ever medals at the Winter Olympics. After knee surgery in August 1993, she finished 5th at the 1994 World Sprint Championships, and won a third Olympic medal when she came third in the 1000 m at Hamar. Still suffering from her injury, she then retired, with 13 World Cup wins and the 1993 500 m World Cup under her belt.

After getting her MBA, Ye founded her own company and a sports club bearing her name.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.48 (1993); 1000 – 1:19.84 (1994); 1500 – 2:06.76 (1992); 3000 – 4:43.01 (1992); 5000 – 8:18.00 (1992).