byFan Delong fromDepartment of Propaganda

Translated by Kang Xiaoyun; edited by Zhen Yanhua

Time:2014-02-14 15:30:31 Click:1,403

On February 13, 2014, Zhang Hong, a graduate of the Law School of HUST, claimed China’s first ever Olympic speed skating title, winning the women’s 1,000m with a large margin. Zhang took the country’s second gold in Sochi, beating Dutch triple gold medalist Ireen Wust by a stunning 0.67 seconds. Another Dutchwoman Margot Boer took bronze in 1:14.90. The gold medal was the second gold in Sochi of Chinese Olympic delegate, and also thefirst gold of Chinese speed skating.

Earlier, Zhang missed the medal by 0.1 second in 500m, but she displayed excellent competitive state. In 1,000m, Zhang raced against Christine Nesbitt of Canada and overpowered the defending champion with a superb last lap that timed 28.99 seconds. Then she sat down in the middle of the oval for an agonizing one-hour wait. Finally, nobody surpassed her. When the result was announced, sweet smile appeared on her face. Xiao Tianliang, deputy director of national sports bureau, praised highly of the result, “the significant breakthrough in Chinese winter events.”

Zhang, 25, began to take up skating at 7, and was enrolled in the Law School of HUST in 2006. The gold derived from her diligence, perseverance and devotion, which embodies the excellent character of HUST. Her winning the gold inspires students, staff and alumni of HUST.