The ISU Short Track Junior World Championships took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from 29 January to 1 February – with an exciting array of future talent on display. 

During the regular season at ISU Junior World Cups, Republic of Korea and People’s Republic of China have been the most successful nations, and the two countries showed well again in Utah – but it was Japan that had perhaps the most memorable weekend. 

Japan make breakthrough in men’s events 

Taiga Sasaki (JPN), pictured above, won the men’s 1500m. The 17-year-old prospect has had a great year, winning three gold medals across events in Milano and Astana. He backed up that potential with a brilliant performance here for his first Junior Worlds gold. 

Wang Tianyou (CHN) was second, while Sasaki’s teammate Yuta Fuchigami (JPN) took an impressive bronze.

Taika Sasaki (JPN) wins the men's 1500m ahead of China's Wang Tianyou © ISU

Sasaki then showed his versatility by getting on the podium for the 500m, securing bronze. The consistent Lee Yoonseok (KOR) was second, but Sean Shuai (USA) produced the race of a lifetime to take the title. 

Shuai has already shown his potential at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games, where he was victorious in the 500m – and will surely be one for the USA men’s senior team in the not-too-distant future. 

Sean Shuai (USA) celebrates his 500m victory, Lee Yoonseok (KOR, left) pipping Sasaki, right, to the silver medal © ISU

Park Seojun (KOR) was triumphant in the Men’s 1000m to cap a fine season from him, finishing ahead of Li Yuheng (CHN) in second and the promising Bogdan Vekhov (KAZ) in third.

 China won the Men’s 5000m relay, ahead of Japan and USA. 

Japan, Canada and Korea impress in women’s races 

Japan’s excellent weekend continued as Ayano Sekiguchi (JPN) took the women’s 1000m title. Having already won golds at Junior World Cup level, it was no surprise to see the explosive and technically precise Sekiguchi produce a career-best result here.

Ayano Sekiguchi (JPN) leads the field on her way to the 1000m gold © ISU

Kang Minji (KOR), another regular contender this term, got second, and hotly-tipped young Canadian Courtney Charlong (CAN) grabbed the bronze. 

Charlong then secured victory with a powerful showing in the women’s 500m, ahead of one of the season’s breakout stars, Oh Songmi (KOR). Kira Judit Amschl (HUN) was third.

Courtney Charlong (CAN) adds the 500m World Junior title to her 1000m bronze © ISU

Oh then stepped up for the 1500m title, ahead of Kim Minji (KOR), with whom she has battled for Korean supremacy all season. Both racers have a classic Korean technique and will be seeking promotion to the senior squad soon. Hao Ruoxuan (CHN) was third. 

The women’s 3000m relay was won by Korea, ahead of China and Kazakhstan. Korea took Mixed Team relay gold, with Netherlands second and Japan third.