Debutant Wang repeats history;seeking more golds
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-02-16 09:16

Once in a year, Wang worn off 17 pairs of shoes.

In contrast to her nervousness during the Games, Wang had overwhelming confidence prior to her arrival in Turin.

"I have no pressure. My aim is surely to win a gold medal in Turin since every skater's biggest dream is to top the podium."

At the 9th National Games, then 16-year-old Wang fell to the finish line and picked up a bronze medal.

She repeated the history at the 10th National Games. Another fall brought her to a gold-medal finish.

The year of 2004 was Wang's outburst year as she won three gold medals at the World Cup in Harbin, including in 1,500m, which Chinese skaters tried to win a gold medal in vain during 14 consecutive international events.

With a gold in 500m and a silver in 1,500m at the 2004 world championships, Wang began to play a leading role among Chinese woman skaters.

"If necessary, I will shoulder the responsibility."

Wang is an extroverted girl. She often told jokes to her teammates, making the skaters' life never dull.

She is also a "Tom Boy" due to short clean-cut hair and independent personality, fostered in the time when she lived in the Qitaihe Sports Institute.

"She is mentally strong and has a boy's temperament," Xin said.

Wang is also filial to her parents. She often calls her parents to check how they are doing.

In the awarding ceremony, Wang was so excited that she jumped on the podium before her name was announced.