Thanks for the memories, Beijing!

Having experienced plenty of ups and downs throughout her career, Pechstein's resilience is perhaps the most impressive aspect of her character. She missed the 2010 Games in Vancouver, Canada, due to a doping ban over blood abnormalities, although she has never tested positive for a banned substance.

Since returning to the ice, Pechstein has been on a mission to prove elite sporting achievements are possible later in life.

After finishing 20th in the 3,000m, Pechstein will also race in the women's mass start event on Feb 19 against a bigger group of rivals, most of whom were not even born when she won her first Olympic gold (5,000m) in 1994.

"I'm proud of myself. I can still compete against the young girls. For me, it's a big moment when they say they have a lot of respect for my career," said Pechstein.

"The Chinese girl who raced against me had a good race. I think also the Chinese team all together, they've shown how strong they are at home and you can see year by year they grow up."

Citing Beijing organizers' efforts to host the Games on schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Pechstein was grateful that the effective pandemic-control protocols at Beijing 2022 helped realize her goal to step on the Olympic track again.

"The Games are a special one here because of the COVID situation all over the world," she said. "People are wearing protective gear everywhere here but I like it because everything is safe.

"They wished me good luck and showed me love, which was a surprise. I feel safe and I will just celebrate the Games. Xie Xie (thank you), Beijing!"