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Figure skaters Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao eye Winter Olympic gold

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-19 14:12

 

BEIJING -- Chinese favourite figure skaters Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao are vying for a gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games despite injuries and unstable performances this season.

Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, silver medalists at the Turin Olympics in the figure skating pairs, arrived in Harbin on Monday to prepare for the upcoming 24th Winter Universiade.

Chinese figure skaters Zhang Dan (L) and Zhang Hao smile in front of the camera before the 24th Winter Universiade in Harbin, February 18, 2009. [Xinhua]

Talking about their performance this season, Zhang Dan felt a little upset because they won a bronze in the Four Continental Championships in Canada.

However, Zhang Hao regarded their downturn as a life lesson and is still confident of making a better performance in Vancouver next year.

Chinese figure skaters Zhang Dan (R) and Zhang Hao are seen smile in this photo taken on February 18, 2009 before the 24th Winter Universiade in Harbin. [Xinhua]

Favourite figure skater Zhang Dan: "The training is not so systematic after the Zagreb competition. We've prepared well, we hope to show the best performance to the people in our hometown. "

Figure skater Zhang Hao: "I believe we have the ability to win a gold medal in Vancouver. That's my highest hope."

Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao are the most famous Chinese athletes at the Universiade, and are tipped to win their third straight victory since 2005 during the winter's sports gala in their home city.