Wang Meng, a short track speed skating legend with 77 international gold medals and the most Olympic gold medals in China’s short track history, has joined the reality show “Sisters Who Make Waves”. In her first episode, she complained the show’s pace was too slow, and her performance of the sweet song “Wish Sticky Note” became an unexpected highlight—and a comedy moment.
Fans flocked to the new season just to watch Wang Meng, with many joking that a dedicated camera should be assigned just to catch her sharp commentary.
**A Bold Leap: Stepping Out of the Spotlight to Start Fresh**
Instead of serving as a judge or guest, Wang Meng entered the competition as a regular contestant. This meant competing with younger, more experienced singers and dancers in the entertainment industry, accepting scoring and elimination—a challenge she took on without fear. Having been expelled from the national team three times and facing indefinite suspensions, she was no stranger to starting over.
After an early expulsion for a post-training party, she won gold in the 500m at the 2006 Turin Olympics. In 2007, she was sent home again for openly criticizing her coach’s methods. At the 2010 Vancouver Games, she dominated the 500m and broke a world record in the relay, ending South Korea’s nearly two-decade reign. That victory cemented her status as a powerhouse. Over her career, she earned four Olympic golds and 77 world-level titles, breaking world records ten times.
In 2011, a conflict with team leadership during training in Qingdao led to her being stripped of captaincy and banned indefinitely. A broken ankle before the Sochi Olympics ended her competitive career. Still, she returned as a commentator for the 2022 Beijing Games with the iconic line “My eyes are the rulers.” Her repeated comebacks proved her resilience.
**Champion Mindset: Turning Awkwardness into Charm**
Despite her lack of singing skills, Wang Meng prepared earnestly for “Wish Sticky Note” out of respect for the show’s rules. Her deadpan delivery of the sugary tune earned her the nickname “Northeastern sister singing a sweet song,” yet it became an internet sensation. Her teammates Li Xiaoran and Tang Yixin advanced to the next round, showcasing her ability to lead.
As head coach of the national speed skating team, Wang Meng guided Ning Zhongyan to a historic gold in the men’s 1500m at the World Cup, breaking China’s 56-year gold drought in that event. After retiring, she founded a MCN agency to help former athletes transition to new careers. As she put it, “A strong person makes themselves strong; a leader makes others strong.”
**Respecting Rules, Speaking Her Mind**
Growing up in a family that valued sons over daughters, Wang Meng vowed to prove herself. After becoming an Olympic champion, even her grandfather—who once urged the family not to keep her—admitted she was his treasure. In a speech, she said, “Rules are always opportunistic.”
She has been penalized for breaking rules but also earned respect through her talent. On the show, she openly criticized the long, drawn-out introduction ceremony and even joked that her employer should issue an official letter to call her back to work. She also pointed out that contestant An Qi wouldn’t be eliminated early because the rules required contestants to be over 30, and An Qi hadn’t turned 30 yet.
Still, Wang Meng respects the rules. She practiced her song lyrics like a student cramming for an exam. When captain Sun Yi—who had been rejected by Wang Meng earlier—was eliminated despite her excellent singing, Wang Meng was the first to express her dissatisfaction. The host later appointed her as a “judge” on the show, showing that rules often favor the strong.
**Why Everyone Loves Wang Meng**
Wang Meng’s journey resonates because she brings an Olympic spirit to every new challenge: excellence, respect for rules, and courage to try. She hasn’t changed; she simply stays true to herself in any environment. Whether on the ice or on stage, she remains a legend who dares to be real.