Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 9 (Reporters Zhang Xiao, Xia Zilin) On the 9th, the national speed skating hall “Ice Ribbon”, the iconic venue of the Beijing Winter Olympics, was opened to the public for the first time. The long-awaited skating enthusiasts from all walks of life can finally experience the “fastest ice” of the Winter Olympics.
At 8:00 a.m. that day, one hour before the official opening of the “Ice Ribbon”, two long queues of tourists were already lined up. Among them are beginners, veterans, retired athletes, and volunteers who are “revisiting the Beijing Winter Olympics”. Some tourists even come from the suburbs at 6 am to wait for admission.
On July 9, tourists entered the National Speed Skating Pavilion. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ju Huanzong
Scanning the health code and showing a 72-hour nucleic acid negative certificate… After passing through the security gate, some tourists dragged equipment boxes and ran to the ice rink . Jin Ming, a 69-year-old from Beijing Shichahai Speed Skating Club, loves skating. “I’ve been looking forward to the opening after the Winter Olympics, but I’m very excited when I wait until this day.”
At the Beijing Winter Olympics, a number of Olympic records and a world record were created in the “Ice Ribbon”, which was hailed as the “fastest ice” by the industry. In the minds of tourists who entered the venue that day, the “fastest ice” firmly occupies the “C position”. According to statistics, nearly 1,000 of the tourists who entered the venue in the morning had an ice experience, and the heat remained unabated in the afternoon.
On July 9, tourists experience skating at the National Speed Skating Stadium. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Chenlin
Many tourists are full of praise for the experience. Retired athlete Wang Guodong is currently a skating coach. After personal experience, he believes that “Ice Ribbon” is not inferior to the world’s top speed skating venues such as Calgary, Canada, and is even better in terms of ice surface flatness. Ice” lives up to its name.
“Beijing ice and snow sports are developing rapidly now, but it is not easy to find an open ice rink in summer. Children are particularly excited to be able to skate on the Winter Olympics. There are Olympic logos, five-star red flags hanging high, and the signature wall of Winter Olympic athletes. Children can not only practice skating, but also feel a kind of patriotism.” Wang Guodong said.
On July 9, a child experienced skating at the National Speed Skating Hall. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Chenlin
The opening of the “Ice Ribbon” marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long-term and continuous use of the only new ice competition venue for the Beijing Winter Olympics. This day is of special significance to Wu Xiaonan, who participated in the whole process of venue planning and construction, game time guarantee and opening preparations. As the secretary of the party committee and chairman of the Beijing National Speed Skating Hall Company, he was busy in the equipment area of the venue that day, providing skates for tourists while listening to everyone’s opinions and suggestions.
Regarding the long-term development plan of the “Ice Ribbon”, Wu Xiaonan told reporters that the venue will continue to serve the public during post-match operations, and will continue to introduce high-level competitive events. Continue to drive the public’s enthusiasm for ice and snow sports. The venue will also demonstrate its “internationality”: “Ice Ribbon” has become the center of excellence of the International Skating Federation. With the introduction of high-level athletes and the launch of skating training courseware in China, it is expected to further improve the level of ice and snow sports.
Editors: Wang Haoyu, Yu Sihui, Wu Junkuan, Ai Jingyi (internship)