By Xiang Bin
China.org.cn staff reporter in Harbin

Lee Kang Seok is answering questions at the press conference. He contributed his success to his good state of mind.

It seems there is too much pressure on Chinese skaters, and this is one of the factors that led to failure in their attempt to secure China's first gold.

China failed in her first two attempts for gold medals on the first day of 24th Winter Universiade, held in Harbin City. In the post-mach press conference, Lee Kang Seok, gold medalist from Korea, credited his victory to a sound frame of mind.

"It really is a surprise for me to have won this gold medal. All I was thinking about before the competition was to set a personal best; the championship was well beyond my expectations," he said.

Lee's outstanding performance also surprised China's Yu Fengtong, who lost to Lee by a narrow margin of 0.05 seconds in the men's 500 meters speed skating.

Yu Fengtong answering questions at the press conference. He was satisfied with his performance despite finishing second, losing to Lee Kang Seok from Korea.

"He's amazing, you know. He had missed several world speed skating series and World Cup races due to injury. I never expected he could recover so soon. I'm satisfied with my performance today but obviously Lee is better," Yu commented on the race.

When requested by reporters to compare China's skaters and himself, the gold-winner said: "Yu is a very good athlete - he did a great job today. But maybe my frame of mind was better."

Wang Manli, silver medalist in 2005 Turin Winter Olympics, also confirmed that China's skaters are experiencing nerves in the competition.

"Yu Jing's coach told me that Yu was very nervous, leading to some minor mistakes in the race."

Yu Jing finished second in women's 500 meters, losing to another Korean skater, Lee Sang Hwa.

"Yu Fengtong has already set a personal best, and the 500 meters is not his specialty. We expect him to break through in the men's 1000 meters," Wang concluded.

(China.org.cn February 20, 2009)