Despite his record time, Gao still wasn't totally satisfied with his performance.

"I pulled a leg muscle yesterday, so I didn't skate in my optimum physical condition. I reckon I could shorten the record more," said Gao, who despite his lightning-fast heroics on ice describes himself as a person who likes to live life in the slow lane.

"I like the sound of wind beside my ears when I skate. It feels exciting," said Gao, who draped himself in the national flag to celebrate around the infield of the oval.

His victory earned applause from dethroned champ Lorentzen, as well as a fellow Chinese Olympic hero, Zhang Hong.

"He was impressive. He's been the favorite all season, since he skated so fast in the first World Cup meet. He raced so fast that everyone thought it would be impossible to beat him here at the Olympics," said Lorentzen, who finished 15th. "It's cool to see that he succeeds on home soil. I congratulate him."