China’s short track speed skating Olympic champion Wu Dajing expressed his excitement and anticipation for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing after meeting the “cute” tournament mascots here on Tuesday.
After the unveiling ceremony of Winter Olympic mascot Bing Dwen Dwen and Winter Paralympic mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon, Wu said, “I feel quite excited. They are so cute, making me look forward even more to Beijing 2022.”
“I want to buy one once they become available!” added Wu. “I always wondered what the Winter Olympic mascot would look like. I guessed it would be a panda, but I never expected it to be so lovely.”
Wu is looking to defend his men’s 500m crown at Beijing 2022, and added that he counts down every day in his preparation for the Games.
Former Winter Olympic champion Yang Yang, who featured at the unveiling ceremony as a moderator, also praised the appearance of the mascots.
“They are easy for everybody to accept. From the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, the panda is our national treasure, and the lantern is a very important cultural icon, signifying good fortune, happiness and warmth,” Yang pointed out.
“I believe many people will like them. As Olympic ambassadors, they will help people learn about and participate in the Olympic Games,” she added.
Wang Meng, gold medalist in wheelchair curling at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, told Xinhua, “They are lovely and auspicious, and can well demonstrate the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
“We are training very hard every day for the 2022 Winter Paralympics. I hope the Chinese team can defend our title and put on a good performance,” she added.
Source:Xinhua
