As the only newly built ice venue for the Beijing Winter Olympics, the National Speed Skating Hall "Ice Ribbon" will undoubtedly be the focus of attention during the competition. On January 30, five days before the opening of the speed skating project of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the client reporter of Beijing Daily came to the "Ice Ribbon" to learn about the latest preparations here.
Test matches will also be held before the match
In the audience seat of the "ice ribbon", the "005" with white seat covers is particularly eye-catching, "This is the idea of our stadium staff, they want to remind themselves that the start of the game is imminent at any time, and they must seize all the time to prepare and ensure the smooth progress of the event." Zhou Qiurui, executive deputy director of the national speed skating hall operation team, explained.
Kazakh athletes train in "ice ribbons".
After the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Village on January 27, the players came to the "Ice Ribbon" for pre-competition training. On the afternoon of January 30, the Beijing Daily client reporter saw Ning Zhongyan and four other Chinese speed skaters, as well as athletes from Norway, Russia and Kazakhstan. Zhou Qiurui told reporters that as of the afternoon of the 29th, athletes from 17 countries and regions have come to train, reaching more than 150 person-times, and the feedback of these athletes on the ice surface is very positive, "They think that the slipperiness of the ice surface is very outstanding, from this point of view, our hearts are also a lot more solid." ”
High-quality ice surface is inseparable from careful maintenance. Zhou Qiurui told the Beijing Daily client reporter that temperature, humidity and other factors will affect the ice conditions, most of the speed skating projects are based on the results of the draw in turn two or two on the game, so that the first appearance and the later appearance of the athletes will face a certain difference in the ice surface conditions, "the first skating athlete he feels the ice surface flatness is the best, but the ice surface hardness is worse, the later may be flatness will decline, but the hardness will rise, so each has advantages and disadvantages." Our ice experts work back and forth to find the best time to pour ice so that all athletes can compete in excellent ice conditions. ”
Russian athletes train in "ice ribbons". Beijing Daily client reporter Deng Wei photographed
Zhou Qiurui said that the "ice ribbon" is ready to start. According to the convention of the Winter Olympics, the "ice ribbon" will next hold a pre-competition test match participated by athletes from all over the world, the competition items and time will be determined according to the needs of each team, and the Chinese speed skating team will also participate, "The test match is exactly the same as the official competition, so that the athletes can feel the rhythm of the competition in advance." Through the speed at which the athletes glide, we can also grasp the quality of the ice surface from the side. ”
Foreign players take photos before entering
When the Beijing Daily client reporter was interviewed on the spot on the afternoon of the 30th, he happened to see the venue etiquette team laying flowers after the central exercise in the venue. It is worth mentioning that foreign athletes in the dressing area saw this scene and rushed to pick up their mobile phones to take pictures. Zhou Qiurui said that foreign athletes are particularly keen to take photos in the "ice ribbon", "Almost all foreign athletes to the venue the first thing is not training, but to take pictures, which also shows the charm of the venue from the side." ”
Zhou Qiurui told reporters that the operation team of the National Speed Skating Hall needs to cooperate with the International Skating Union, the Beijing Winter Olympic Organizing Committee, the broadcast team, the volunteer team, the sports display team and other parties in the near future to provide better service and protection. It is understood that the International Skating Union has appointed 2 technical representatives and 11 technical officials to be responsible for the refereeing of the speed skating competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics. In order to better organize the competition, the Beijing Winter Olympic Organizing Committee also sent a team of up to 60 referees to participate.
Interior view of the "Ice Ribbon". Beijing Daily client reporter Deng Wei photographed
In addition, there are about 60 volunteers in the "ice ribbon", who mainly work in the athlete warm-up area and rest area, and are responsible for ensuring the normal training of athletes. Zhou Qiurui said: "From the locker room to the warm-up area and rest area, we must try to ensure that other personnel and athletes are completely avoided, and their training time and safety are reasonably guaranteed." Every athlete who qualifies for the Winter Olympics has gone through many years of training and made great efforts, which is not easy. We also want everyone to maintain good social distancing from athletes and ensure their health. ”