URUMQI, China, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- With the speed skating competition of the Chinese National Winter Games to be contested at an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level, Olympic champion Zhang Hong hopes to take advantage of the high-altitude venue to set a world record.
The world records for speed skating were previously set in either Calgary of Canada, which is 1,048 meters above sea level, or Salt Lake City (1,295 meters above sea level) of the United States, according to the International Skating Union.
Zhang, who ended China's 34-year wait for an Olympic gold in speed skating when she powered to women's 1,000m gold in the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, said the Xinjiang ice rink is likely to become the third venue to produce a world record.
"This ice rink is located at about 1,600 meters above sea level, which is similar to the altitude of the rinks in Calgary and the Salt Lake City. I hope it will help us produce world-class performances," Zhang told Xinhua on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Zhang had a remarkable 2015-2016 season, having won eight medals in the World Cup series. More importantly, she defeated South Korean star Lee Sang-hwa in three consecutive races and went close to breaking the 1,000m world record in Calgary.
"The medals boosted my self-confidence a lot. I came to realize that there is more potential within my body," said Zhang. "I will try her best here at the National Winter Games."
As an official ambassador, Zhang was involved in Beijing's successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
"Beijing's successful bid will help boost the popularity of winter sports in China. I am willing to play a role in the drive to get 300 million people involved in skiing and skating events," Zhang said.
Zhang will turn 34 years old when the 2022 Winter Olympics open in Beijing.
"For me, competing at the Olympics on home soil will be a fantastic experience. So I will try to extend my career as a speed skater until I can't skate any longer," she said.