Beijing, 5 Feb (Xinhua) -- Reporters Yue Ranran, He Leijing, Li Dian, and Luo Xin competed for the last place, but became a "champion"?
The mixed interview area of the "Ice Ribbon" of the National Speed Skating Hall is crowded with reporters from all walks of life. Everyone is eager to see through it, anxiously waiting for this "first man" who made history.
Germany's Claudia Peschstein at the tournament on February 5. On the same day, the beijing 2022 Winter Olympics speed skating women's 3000 meters final was held at the National Speed Skating Hall "Ice Ribbon". Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cheng Tingting
"Makers of history!" This is how American journalists describe Claudia Peschstein. Even if you wait for 40 minutes, everyone must interview her. Indeed, this earth-shattering "record" created by Claudia convinced everyone.
On the evening of February 5, a new Olympic record was born in the speed skating women's 3,000m final of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and Claudia held the record for 20 years, which was broken by Dutch athlete Irenay Showten with a time of 3:56.93. He was once an Olympic champion, but in this competition, he ranked last among the 20 players.
Germany's Claudia Peschstein after the match on Feb. 5. Photo by Wu Wei, Xinhua News Agency
Although the results are at the bottom, they are recognized by history as the "first" - 49 years old, the oldest female Winter Olympic player in history; eight times, the female athlete who participated in the Winter Olympic Games the most times in history; in the past seven sessions, a total of 5 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
At 16:30 p.m., Claudia, 49, and Akhnar Adak, a 22-year-old Chinese teenager, took the starting line and set off in the first group. The German veteran smiled and adjusted his starting position. "Ready," her eyes slowly firmed. Gunshots, an arc across the ice, swinging arms in curves, sprinting in straights, although the stride is not large, but the German veteran always has his own rhythm.
In the first lap, she was close to the Chinese players; on the second lap, she began to fall behind; after the third lap, the gap became wider and wider... In the final straight, Claudia accelerated her sprint, but still trailed Agenal Adak by nearly 5 seconds.
In the end, the German ended the race with a time of 4:17.16, nearly 20 seconds worse than his Olympic record (3:57.70) 20 years ago. When sliding across the finish line, Claudia did not get frustrated, but raised her arms, like a winner, to meet her own "first".
Perhaps physically exhausted, she bent down, held her knees, and gasped for breath, but as she slid through the stands, she still lifted herself up and faced the audience with a heart. After sliding another 200 meters, she stopped, sat on the edge of the track, and hugged the coach for a long time.
"I was smiling and sliding across the finish line." Claudia's voice trembled slightly, "I achieved my goal, this is my eighth Olympic Games." ”
Germany's Claudia Peschstein at the tournament on February 5. Photo by Wu Wei, Xinhua News Agency
Claudia, who was able to serve as the standard-bearer of the German delegation at the opening ceremony, said it was the highlight of her life. "Today, my results are no longer important, what matters is that I came here, skated to the finish line, and I am extremely proud of myself."
A Dutch journalist asked: "Did you start competing in the Olympics 20 years ago?" ”
"No, it's 30 years!" Claudia is very proud, "This Olympic trip is more special than any other, under the epidemic, hosting the Winter Olympics has become extremely difficult, but China has done it!" I am very grateful that I can come to Beijing as I wish, this is the moment I made history! ”
Records are meant to be broken, but this "first" created by Claudia may stay in the time book for a long time.
Editors: Shuwen, Wu Bowen, Wu Junkuan, Zhang Yumeng (Intern)