CHINA AT THE OLYMPICS: Figure Skating: Love conquers all for Shen and Zhao

Vancouver (AFP) - Chinese figure skating stars Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo are determined that their love with help them finally conquer Olympic gold in Vancouver. The three-time world pairs champions made a dramatic return to competitive figure skating last year in a bid to seal gold at the Vancouver Games. Their return surprised many with even Shen conceding that she had needed some persuading from husband Zhao. After more than 15 years competing and dealing with injuries in a physically gruelling sport, the 31-year-old was ready to hang up her skates. The pair married in 2007, shortly after capping the most successful year of their career with a third world title, and duly retired. But Zhao was still hankering for the only title missing from their collection, and Shen was ready to help him fulfil the dream. They had won Olympic bronze twice - in Salt Lake City and Torino. "He wanted to come back," explained Shen. "Hongbo persuaded me. We were already married. So even if I said no it's not like he's going to divorce me," she joked. Zhao insisted: "It was a joint decision. We're really happy to be back competing. To win an Olympic gold is a dream for us." Injury had hampered their preparation for the 2006 Olympic Games. Zhao had suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a potentially career-ending injury, but through sheer determination was able to recover to claim bronze. Last year they contacted Canadian choreographer Lori Nichol, who had worked with them for two seasons before they retired, and she actively encouraged them to pursue their dream. She was not mistaken. They have been undefeated this season with world records for the total score (214.25) and the short programme score (75.36) putting them among the favourites for gold. Right now they are enjoying their fourth Olympic experience, apart from Zhao admitting to an upset stomach because of the Canadian food. "We're seeing a lot of old friends," said Zhao. "This is our last chance to win a gold medal. I'm the oldest athlete in the Chinese team. I'm here because I wanted to win gold so much." Shen believes their maturity has helped their performance. "I would have to say the main difference is in the details," she said of when they first competed in the Nagano Olympic Games. "We used to be more concerned about the difficulty of the elements. Now we focus on perfecting the details and bringing all the elements together as seamlessly as possible." Fittingly, they open their campaign on Valentine's Day with a short programme to Queen's Who Wants To Live Forever, and will perform Adagio in G Minor by Tomaso Albinoni for the free skate the following day.

View article...