China in the Winter Olympics: Facts and figures
Friday, 11th December 2009 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
Although China—like the rest of the world—care a lot less about the Winter Olympics than they do about the summer games, there is indeed an Olympics coming up. Olympic gold medals are a huge source of national pride in China, so the Vancouver 2010 Olympics will be watched more closely here than in most countries.Here's a rundown of some facts and figures on China's Winter Olympic history:
China's Winter Olympic debut: Lake Placid, 1980. China's best result was an 18th place finish in women's slalom ski. In 1984, matters only got worse, as China's top finish was 19 in the women's slalom ski.
China's first Olympic medal: 1992, Albertville, 2 silvers in women's speed skating, 500 meters and 1,000 meters, for Ye Qiaobao (was the first year in the program for speed skating)
First Winter Olympic gold: 2002, Yang Yang won the women's 500 m and 1,000 m in short track skating.
China's rank in medals from Torino 2006: 11 (2 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze). All were in speed skating except for one gold in men's freestyle skiing aerials (Han Xiaopeng) and silver in women's freestyle skiing aerials (Li Nina)
China's historical Winter Olympic medals: 4 gold, 16 silver, 13 bronze, 33 total
China has historically been very strong in short track/speed skating, which account for 25, or almost 80 percent, of China's winter Olympic medals. Its other Olympic medals have come in figure skating (5) and skiing (3).
China's best shot at the elusive team sports gold is in curling. The Chinese women's team became national heroes when they brought home the world championship earlier this year. The women's ice hockey team has also improved rapidly, but despite their number 7 world ranking, they have very little hope of medaling this time around. Powerhouses USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Russia are too dominant.
Tags: China, figure skating, ice hockey, skiing, speed skating, Vancouver 2010, Winter Olympics
Weekend Events, January 10-11
Friday, 9th January 2009 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
What: Competition featuring 24 riders, including four locals. In addition to competing for $25,000 USD in prize money, top performers at this event will earn global ranking points on the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour. The event also includes a DJ on Saturday, and live band on Sunday. Admission is 20 yuan.
Where: Beijing's Quiksilver Nanshan Mellow Park, 40 kilometers northeast of the Beijing Airport (map)
When: January 10-11, with competition beginning at 11:00 both days. Finals start at 11:00 on Sunday. View the whole schedule here.
(Related story from World Snowboard Guide: Nanshan Open gets TTR status.)
Ice hockey: China Sharks vs. Nippon Paper Cranes (link)
What: The China Sharks and Nippon Paper Cranes (Japan) meet in an Asian Hockey League match. The Sharks' roster includes five players provided by the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL), and Chinese-Canadian Kevin Du.
Where: Shanghai's Songjiang University Student Sports Center (2000 Wenxiang Road)
When: January 10, 7:05 p.m.
Martial arts: Ultimate Combat Championships
What: 16 fighters from five countries face off in Sanda, Muay Thai, sambo, judo, jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. The fights will also air on Shanxi television, channel 7.
When: January 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Xi'an Jiatong University Gymnasium
Image: Mellow Parks China
Tags: Beijing, ice hockey, martial arts, Shanghai, snowboarding, Xi'an
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
Weekend Watch
Friday, 11th April 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
There's plenty for sports fans in China to get excited about this weekend—from ice hockey in Harbin to baseball in Chengdu. Here is a roundup of some of the events taking place over the next few days:Golf
CCTV will air The Masters from 2:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on April 11, 12 and 13. On Monday the 14th, coverage starts at 1:00 a.m.
The Omega China Tour continues with its Kunming leg this Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Lakeview Golf Course, Dianchi Road, Kunming.
Ice Hockey
The medal round of the IIHF Women's World Championships goes down this Saturday at Harbin's Baqu Arena. Underdog Switzerland plays Finland for the bronze at 3:30 and Canada plays the United States for the gold at 7:00. The gold medal game will be broadcast in Canada and the United States . Also, we'd like to call your attention again to the blog that one of the tournament participants is keeping—it's a good opportunity to get into the head of a Western athlete competing in and experiencing China.
Location: Baqu Arena, Harbin
Auto Racing
Engines from 22 different countries fire up at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend. Qualifying races are Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, there will be a sprint race at 11:00 a.m. and the main event takes place at 3:00 p.m. The races won't be on CCTV, but you can catch them live on ESPN Star Sports, SMG Sports Channel and Guangdong TV.
Location: Shanghai International Circuit, Jiading District, Shanghai
Baseball
Opening weekend for the Chinese Baseball League (CBL) brings games in Tianjiin, Chengdu and Jiangsu on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Going to any of these competitions? Want to become a part of the conversation here at China Sports Today? Go to our Contribute page.
Tags: auto racing, baseball, golf, ice hockey
Women’s Ice Hockey Worlds in Harbin
Friday, 4th April 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
China plays Russia at 7:00 on Saturday and world number one Canada at 7:00 on Sunday at Baqu Arena. Games continue through April 12, with next week's matchups being determined by this weekend's outcomes. For a full schedule, results and more information, go to the IIHF's tournament page.
China has precious little hope of challenging for even a bronze here, but the championships are key to its Olympic qualifying efforts. The tournament will not only crown a world champion, but also help determine which teams qualify for the 2010 games in Vancouver. Eighth-ranked China is currently in a four-team race for the sixth and final spot to be assigned this weekend.
A curiously anonymous participant in the tournament is blogging about their impressions of China and the competition #here#http://www.iihf.com/channels/iihf-world-womens-championship/blog.html.
Image: IIHF.com
Tags: Harbin, ice hockey