By Lynn Rutherford, special to icenetwork.com
(03/24/2009) - It's been a season of rebirth for China's Qing Pang and Jian Tong.
Many wrote off the 2006 world pair champions when they dropped to fifth place last season. But heightened off-ice training, with emphasis on increasing jumping strength, helped them defeat world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy at the Grand Prix Final in December. They also captured their fourth Four Continents title, defeating world bronze medalists Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davison.
"Last year for us was troubled," Tong said in his improving English. "This is the first season we have been doing off-ice workouts, working on our solo jumps. So, no more downgrades."
The slender Pang, in particular, has had technical panels rule her double Axel and triple toe loops more than a quarter-turn short of completion. Extra training has strengthened her legs and enabled her to complete her jumps.
"It is a lot of work with a physical training coach and also, of course, [primary coach] Mr. Bin Yao," she said through an interpreter.
The couple's Tango free skate, choreographed by Sarah Kawahara, is gaining high praise.
"We like this style," Tong said. "It's the second time we have worked with Sarah Kawahara. We just do a lot of hard training, no short cuts. This style is different for us, but it feels good."
The Tango comes a bit easier to Tong, who spent several years as an ice dancer before switching to pairs full time.
"[Dance experience] is very helpful to me. It helps me connect with my partner," he said.
The couple did not attend the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. They moved their training out of the city for one month due to security concerns. But the pageantry of the Games has inspired them, and they are committed to competing through 2010 and perhaps beyond.
"We very [much] like sports; we like figure skating," Tong said. "We need an Olympic medal. Any color medal." |
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