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Speed skaters getting into groove

2010-02-08 17:18 BJT

Special Report: 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games |

China's National Speed Skating Team are now well into their pre Olympic training routines in Canada. According to the different events, they are training with their coach respectively.

Just four days after landing, the team have been combating Jet lag and getting used to their surroundings as well putting in hours on the ice. Men's 500m skater Liu Wenyi and female compatriot Zhang Shuang were up early to get a session under their blades. It was the first time the pair had skated at the venue that held the World Championships last March.

Chinese Speed skater Zhang Shuang, said, "It's my first time to skate here. The ice looks very slippery and very shine. The training course looks not so flat, but it feels very good when I skate on the ice."

The head coach of the Speed Skating Team Sijtle Van Der Lende was also at the venue. Having a sneaky peak over how the training of the other countries skaters was going.

With the opening ceremony just days away, more and more top skaters appeared on the ice. US speed skater Shani Davis, the world record-holder at each distance did some easy warm ups and jogging.

The world number one in the women's 500m skater division is Jenny Wolf - she also made an appearance.

Figure skaters arrive in Canada

China's three pairs of figure skaters and their coaches touched down in the early hours with the weight of a nation behind them. It's hoped they can take home China's first gold in the Olympics.

Ren Hongguo,deputy firector of Chinese Winter Sport Federation, said, "We are ready! It's the fourth time and also the last time for Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo. They will try their best to compete. And we also have strong opponents, but we will try our best."

The Chinese skaters have won many World Champions, and are looking for a gold medal of the Olympics.

Editor: Zhang Ning | Source: CCTV.com