Nine Questions With Wang Linuo
Tuesday, 15th April 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
The following interview, by Jenny Wiedeke, is re-published with the permission of the International Ice Hockey Federation. It first appeared on their Web site during the Women's World Championships, which concluded in Harbin a few days ago.
Today we feature China's Wang Linuo. The captain of the women's national team also hails from host city Harbin and is very enthusiastic to have the World Championship in her backyard. The 1979-born player is one of the most experienced on the team and spent the last season playing in Canada as part of a program that sent six of the Chinese national team players to participate in the Canadian's women professional league. In total six players spent the season in Canada, with two players split among three teams.
1. How did you get involved in hockey?
There has been women's hockey in China since 1986 and I started playing in 1987 when I was seven. I'm lucky because here in Harbin we have one of the strongest hockey traditions in all of China. My Uncle was the one who thought that I was athletic and should give hockey a try. At the time, my mom wasn't too happy about it, but my Uncle had the right idea.
2. Is there a strong hockey tradition in your country?
We have a different hockey tradition that many of the teams here because our women's team actually plays at a higher level than the men's team. The men's team is now in Division II. Not so many people in China play hockey. Here in Harbin, the older generation really follows the results, but no so much the younger generation. In China, table tennis the top sport, no doubt about it.
3. What is people's first reaction when you tell them you're a hockey player?
They say, "really, what about hockey can you tell me?" They are very interested to learn about the sport.
4. Describe the status of women's hockey in your country.
Even though we play at a higher level than the men, it is still tough to get people to support the women's game. People in China think that it is too physical and too rough for girls. I always tell people that it is a very safe game and very skillful, but people don't believe it until they see it for themselves. But I think generally the situation is improving with women's hockey in China.
5. Which country do you have the most respect for at the championship, and why?
It's tough to pick just one country. I like the European teams because they have some much skill and good technique. But the Canadian and Americans play with their bodies and are so physical, which I also respect a lot. I think if China can learn a little from both styles that would be perfect.
6. What player do you respect the most at this championship, and why?
This year Hayley Wickenheiser and Gina Kingsbury were my teammates in Canada and I really learned a lot from them. In Canada they put their whole heart into playing the game and they taught me that hockey isn't just a physical game, but one that also has to played with your mind and your feelings.
7. What do you hope people's impressions of China are?
I hope that they think that the people are friendly. I know that it must be different for the other teams. But for me, I am very proud that we get a chance to have such an important tournament here in Harbin, especially since it is the IIHF's 100th anniversary. It is very special.
8. What do you envision for Women's hockey by Sochi 2014?
I think that the 'big four' will still be the 'big four'. But I see Switzerland, Russia, Germany and China as all being on a very even level. Of course, I believe in our team more than any other and hope that if any team can challenge for medal it will be us. You always have to believe in your own team's ability.
9. What is the biggest challenge facing women's hockey?
In china, we have only five women's teams that we can play on and the level of competition is not so high. We need to schedule more games against teams from other countries so we can be pushed and learn from other countries.
Image: IIHF.com
Tags: Harbin, ice hockey, Wang Linuo