Beijing, February 13 (Xinhua) -- No matter how much speculation was made before the game, it is difficult to imagine that The defending champion of the winter Olympics short track speed skating men's 500 meters, Wu Dajing, will appear in the final of Group B, although he will eventually finish the first time.
China's Wu Dajing competes on Feb. 13. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Huang Zongzhi
Wu Dajing, who appeared in the mixed interview area, patiently answered reporters' questions. Despite patience, the emotions of loss are hard to hide. "Nervousness" and "pressure" are two words that appear repeatedly in Wu Dajing's mouth.
In the quarter-finals, Wu Dajing ranked first in the group and successfully advanced. Before the semi-finals began, Wu Dajing came to the athletes' shoe-changing area early. In fact, he was scheduled to leave in the second group of the semi-finals, and did not have to go so early.
When asked why, Wu Dajing admitted: "Maybe it's still a little nervous." I actually want to do a better job of this process, but sometimes... It's actually a little nervous. ”
As a result, in the semi-finals, Wu Dajing ranked third in the group and failed to enter the final of Group A for medals.
China's Wu Dajing after the match on Feb. 13. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Yuguo
At the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the haze that the Chinese team had not won a gold medal was swept away with Wu Dajing's strong victory in the 500 meters. Therefore, this competition at the doorstep of the family, Wu Dajing was pinned on high hopes.
"In fact, I don't want to pay special attention to the pressure of defending the title and the home stadium, but I am more concerned about whether I can concentrate and enjoy the Winter Olympic Games." Wu Dajing said, "I don't know if I can participate in the next Winter Olympics, or even if I can participate in the next international competition, so I make every game the last one." ”
In the first group of the quarterfinals, Ren Ziwei and Sun Long of the Chinese team ranked third and fourth respectively, and did not qualify for the semifinals. Wu Dajing said frankly: "There will be some impact, because if there is one more person in the semi-finals, it will be more confident." ”
On February 13, China's Wu Dajing waved to the audience after the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Huang Zongzhi
From Pyeongchang to Beijing, Wu Dajing felt that his mentality had changed a lot. "The mindset four years ago may have been more about expressing itself, and four years later it's more mature."
"For better or worse, (this) game is over. [All I have to do now is) adjust our mindset and we'll have a game in a few days. Wu Dajing took his helmet and skates and walked through the mixed mining area.
Source: Xinhua News Agency