(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-26 20:48

QIQIHAR, Northeast China - China would endeavour to claim more short-track golds at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, said the 40-year-old Li Yan, head coach of the short-track speed skating national team.

Li made the remarks at the 11th National Winter Games held here from January 18 to 28.

China did not end its winter Olympic gold draught until the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 when Yang Yang (A) took women's 500 meters and 1,000 meters short track titles. Wang Meng won the women's 500 meters at the Turin Olympics and grew up to a leading figure in China's short track.

Despite of the fact that China had advantages in women's short-distance events, Li pinned the medal hopes in more events. "Besides the women's 500 meters, we strive to make breakthroughs in the 1,000 meters and even 1,500 meters events," said Li.

But Li kept a clear mind at China's short-track level. "There is a substantial gap between China and South Korea at the skills, vision and training. Except the short distance and relay events that China has certain advantages, the long distance events are dominated by the South Koreans," Li told Xinhua.

Li believed the gap was not only existed in the national team force, but also in the reserve force. "We are lack of the reserve force. I cannot see the hopeful young players for the national team."

"Besides South Korea, Chinese skaters still meet great challenge from Canada and the United States," said Li. "Even in the advantageous 500 meters, the medal is not in our pocket, and we have to fight for each gold."

Wang Meng won the women's 500 meters gold medals in every World Cup leg this season so far and broke the seven-year-long world record kept by Radanova Evgenia with 43.326 seconds in the Italy leg. "The result is one half second faster than the previous wolrd record. It's not only a big strike on the world's short track events, but also a great encouragement for us to prepare for the Vancouver Games," Li said firmly.

"Wang is much stronger than other players in skating techniques. As a veteran in the team, Wang has made a very good example. She has now become the spiritual figure of the team.

"We would have no problem in the Vancouver Games if we had more players like her," Li spoke highly of Wang.

Li began to take over the national team since June 2006. Boasting the coaching experience overseas for many years, Li merges the advanced foreign concepts into China's short track, greatly strengthening the team's power..

"We are making progress in the performances. I expect more maturity in our tactical teamwork in the next two seasons."

Though the onging China's Winter Games saw the national team players take a domination, Li still appreciated new faces' brilliant performances. "They still have time to practise and grow up. China needs young talents," said Li.