Skaters play it cool on Olympic prospects
By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-02-10 05:39

Besides Shen/Zhao, young pair Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao could capture the public's attention with their striking quadruple throw salchows. Successfully landing the quadruple throw in the training session, the two Zhangs, silver medallists at this season's Grand Prix Finals, may add this highlight into their free skating programme.

"The quadruple throw is not a necessity for Zhang/Zhang to hit the podium in the competition since they are already at the highest level of difficulty," Yao said. "We will decide whether or not to include it after the short programme competition."

In the 2002 Winter Games, Shen/Zhao tried the quadruple throw salchows in the free skating programme but Shen failed in landing.

While the Chinese team rushes to get fully prepared for the Games, their biggest opponent Russia has set its eyes on a gold medal sweep.

But Yao showed no fear, and promised to let the final results do the talking.

"What they say won't affect us and we believe that the real strength has to be shown in the final competitions."

Like the figure skating team, China's star-studded short track speed skating team has attracted widespread attention and are considered strong challengers.

"China is strong. They have good skaters such as Li Jiajun and Li Ye on the men's side, while Wang Meng may be a tough rival for the girls," said Mathieu Turcotte of Canada's short track speed skating team, which is also a strong contender for a medal. "There will be strong competition between China and Canada."

The Chinese short track skaters are ready to face the challenges.

"I'm very lucky to participate in my fourth Olympic Games," said 31-year-old Li Jiajun, the multiple world champion. "Of course the best thing would be to win my first Olympic gold medal."