Beijing, 16 Feb (Xinhua) -- In an interview with reporters on the 16th, Lin Holm, a foreign coach of the Chinese curling team, said that the women's team's re-change of position is the result of collective discussion and decision.
On February 16, in the women's curling round robin tournament at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the Chinese team defeated the British team 8:4. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li He
Previously, the Chinese women's curling team exchanged Wang Rui and Han Yu after three consecutive defeats, defeating the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic champion and runner-up Team Sweden and South Korea, and then losing to Japan. On the 15th, the Chinese team changed sides again before the game, with substitute Jiang Xindi as the first base, Zhang Lijun as the vice captain at the second base, Dong Ziqi adjusted to the third base, Wang Rui as the captain at the fourth base, and Han Yu, who was previously the captain, sat on the bench. After this change, the Chinese team first lost to the Russian Olympic Committee team on the 15th, and defeated the British team, which has won many World Championships, on the 16th. The two changes achieved a total of 5 wins, 3 wins and 2 losses.
On February 16, China's Zhang Lijun (first from left) and The British team met to greet each other after the match. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li He
"This change of position was decided by a lot of people, even though it was a difficult decision." Linholm said, "Before this, the Performance of the Chinese team was not satisfactory, for the sake of the Chinese team as a group, we must make better decisions, and no one is more important than this group." ”
Commenting on Han Yu, he said: "Han Yu is a very strong girl, she is very important for the future development of the Chinese team, and she is already considering the next Winter Olympics. I have to say that the pressure on her shoulders before was very great, and I personally supported her one hundred percent. ”
On February 14, in the women's curling round robin tournament at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, China played against Japan. Chinese player Han Yu in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter
Compared with Han Yu, Wang Rui, who had participated in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, obviously played better this time.
"For a competition like the Winter Olympics, experience is very important. I think the golden age for female curlers is probably around 28 or 29. Of course, everyone's situation is different, and some people may have longer careers. At this Winter Olympics, Canada's fourth baseman Jones is 47 years old, and Switzerland's captain Tilinzoni is also 42 years old, and they are living examples. ”
On February 16, in the women's curling round robin tournament at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the Chinese team defeated the British team 8:4. Chinese team player Wang Rui in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li He
Linholm said that if the Chinese team can further stimulate the potential of the players, these girls will have a brighter future.
Editors: Liu Ning, Huang Xuguo, Ji Jiadong, Wu Yuqi (Intern)