China eyes gold in four events in Turin By Lei Lei (China Daily) Updated: 2006-01-19 07:06
Teams are ready
Aside from the rising snow sports, teams from traditionally strong events
such as the short track speed skating and figure skating are also full of
confidence.
"Of course I'm 100 per cent confident," said Yang, China's Olympic hero, who
will compete in her third Olympics. "I'm looking forward to all the experience
that the Olympics give me. I will enjoy it."
Together with Yang, Wang Meng, who dominated the women's 500m races in the
World Cup series this season, will skate for the gold in her Olympic debut as
well.
The short track skating team won't compete on the skating track alone this
time, since the speed skating team, headed by the 32-year-old veteran skater
Wang Manli, will also hold a golden hope for China.
"The Olympic medal is my ultimate goal," said Wang, who is the oldest athlete
in the delegation. "Waiting for the Olympics, I'm in my best form now."
To further add to the confidence of the delegation is the pairs' figure
skater Zhao Hongbo.
After breaking his Achilles tendon last August, Zhao, the two-time world
champion, just finished the double jumps on Monday, which was great news for the
figure skating team.
Zhao and partner Shen Xue, who impressed the world with their remarkable
performance in the World Championships and Grand Prix, were the biggest gold
medal hope for China, until Zhao's shocking injury.
"Even without Shen and Zhao, our figure skating team is strong enough to
strive for the gold," said Xiao. "Since Zhao is recovering faster than the
expectation, they will have bigger chances."
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