Yang Yang (A)

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other • Administrator
SexFemale
Full nameYang•Yang
Used nameYang•Yang (A)
Name orderOriental
Original name扬•杨
Other namesYang Yang (L)
Born24 August 1976 in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang (CHN)
Measurements166 cm / 58 kg
NOC People's Republic of China
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 2
Bronze 1
Total 5

Biography

One of the most successful short track skater of all-time Yang Yang is commonly known as Yang Yang (A), because one of her team mates had the same name in Latin script (they are different in Chinese). Originally, they were named L(arge) and S(mall), but Yang changed her moniker to A(ugust). Yang Yang (A) dominated short track between 1997 and 2002, winning six consecutive overall World titles, adding 23 wins in individual distances and relays. She disappointed at the 1998 Olympics, winning “only” a relay silver, but won two golds and a silver at the 2002 Salt Lake Games. Her victory in the 500 m made her the first Chinese to win a Winter Olympic title. She added her fifth Olympic medal in the 2006 1,000 m, a bronze. Yang Yang (A) set four individual World Records, including three in the 1,000 m.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1998 Winter Olympics Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) CHN Yang Yang (A)
500 metres, Women (Olympic) 15
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 8
3,000 metres Relay, Women (Olympic) People's Republic of China 2 Silver
2002 Winter Olympics Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) CHN Yang Yang (A)
500 metres, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 4
3,000 metres Relay, Women (Olympic) People's Republic of China 2 Silver
2006 Winter Olympics Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) CHN Yang Yang (A)
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 11
3,000 metres Relay, Women (Olympic) People's Republic of China AC

Olympic Records

Records may have been broken subsequently during the same competition.
Games Date Sport Event Phase Mark Pos
1998 Winter Olympics 21 February 1998 Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) 1,000 metres, Women Quarter-Finals, Heat One 1:31.991 WR 1
2002 Winter Olympics 16 February 2002 Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) 500 metres, Women Semi-Finals, Heat One 44.118 1
2002 Winter Olympics 23 February 2002 Short Track Speed Skating (Skating) 1,000 metres, Women Quarter-Finals, Heat One 1:31.235 1

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
Athlete International Olympic Committee 2010—2018 CHN Yang Yang (A)

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
2006 Winter Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony CHN Yang Yang (A)

Special Notes