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."