It’s the Winter Olympics and with every Olympic Games there is the story of bravery against the elements that touches one’s heart. This morning whilst watching BBC’s Breakfast News, one story was the focus.
Figure skating is one of the most technical sports, but in the pairs, it is especially difficult. Not only do you need to be able to do many of the skills of the individual disciplines, but there are the lifts, the throws and the choreography that needs to accompany it. Getting it right is tough and nailing it on the night of the Olympics is everyone’s dream.
On Monday night, the dream was there for Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao for Olympic Gold, but a moment of drama happened as Zhang Hao threw his partner into what should have been a quadruple salchow (that’s four full twists), but she landed painfully in the splits and ended up on the side barrier.
They came off for five minutes before being allowed to carry on. Despite losing a point from each judge for not completing a requirement, they completed the remainder of their routine flawlessly. The crowd gave a standing ovation.
And their pluckiness was rewarded. They didn’t win the gold, but they grabbed silver and well deserved.
Those in the UK can see a clip below from the BBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Links:
Video from BBC SPORT
BBC NEWS: Fall and rise of the Chinese skater
China Daily: Chinese pair deliver gutsy performance
Xinhua: China wins skating silver (with gallery)