China harvested hope for the Vancouver Winter Olympics through
the big victory at the 6th Asian Winter Games, said Xiao Tian, chef de
mission of the Chinese delegation on Saturday.
China achieved its best-ever performance in Winter Asiad with 19
gold, 19 silver and 23 bronze medals to top the medal table. Most
of the medals came from biathlon, speed skating and short track
speed skating.
"The important thing is that we gained experiences and confident
toward the Vancouver Olympics," said Xiao. "Most of the athletes
and coaches have stood the test in this most high leveled winter
sports Games in Asia."
Wang Fei, who lost to Hozumi Masako of Japan in the 3,000m speed
skating event in the World Championships qualifications two weeks
ago, rebounded to outrace the same opponent by more than two
seconds and took the title.
Xiao was also impressed by Xu Binshu, the young women figure
skater. "Although she did not win the gold medal, she performed her
best," he noted.
Xiao also praised veteran Liu Xianying, who became the only
triple gold medalist of the Asiad by displaying dominant
performances in women's biathlon.
The 6th Winter Asian Games is to be officially concluded on
Sunday.
(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2007)