Chinese pair deliver gutsy performance
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-14 08:34

GUTSY PERFORMANCE

Their gutsy performance was not enough to prevent the brilliant Russian pair of Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin from capturing Russia's 12th consecutive gold medal in the event but their display was more than enough to win the admiration of the crowd and their fellow skaters.

Zhang Dan hugs Zhang Hao from China after winning the silver medal in the figure skating Pairs Free Skating at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy February 13, 2006. [Reuters]

By the time they came out to receive their silver medal, Zhang's left leg was heavily bandaged and she had an ice pack taped to her knee.

The plucky skater, however, still managed to limp around a victory lap to even more applause.

Zhang Dan said she was advised by the doctor that she go to the hospital for further examination.

The Russian pair also has first-hand experience of the dangers pairs skaters face.

A little more than a year ago, Totmianina fell head first onto the ice from a high lift during competition and was heavily concussed and taken to the hospital.

"Skating is dangerous but so many bad falls happen in practise, so people don't necessarily know how dangerous it is," said Totmianina. "It's not just people holding hands, skating around and having feelings.

"Now that you see a fall you start appreciate how difficult it is."