Chinese athletes find hidden treasure in mixed doubles curling competitions at winter YOG

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For Chinese curler Liu Tong, and her teammates, the mixed-gender competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is far more than a game. It is a lesson in unity, communciation and overcoming obstacles.

Pei Junhang (R), Liu Tong (C) and Zhai Zhixin of China compete during the mixed team group B session 15 of curling between China and Denmark at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games at Champery Curling Arena, Switzerland on Jan. 14, 2020. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

The mixed doubles curling competition at the YOG sees one male and one female from different nations team up and compete against each other. The four young Chinese curlers were paired with peers from the Czech Republic, Turkey, Denmark and Poland.

The 17-year-old Liu paired up with a male curler from Turkey and the pair were conducted by the Turkish coach. Through basic curling words in English, assisted by some gestures, Liu managed through a lot of effort to communicate with her teammate.

Liu Tong of China competes during the mixed team group B session 15 of curling between China and Denmark at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games at Champery Curling Arena, Switzerland on Jan. 14, 2020. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

"This is not only a kind of mutual-learning of skills and tactics, but also an exercise of communication ability," Liu said.

"I find it very fresh and inspiring," she added.

"Hurry hard! Hurry! Hurry!" Because of the narrow and long track, the "roar" of cooperation between the commanders and pitchers from different countries resounds through the Champery Curling Arena. English is the common language for most athletes to communicate with each other.

"Up to now, communicating has been going smoothly between us. But I also see some flaws in my expression," Liu said. "So in the future, I will strengthen my English abilities and turn challenges into opportunities."

Pei Junhang (L) and Liu Tong of China compete during the mixed team group B session 15 of curling between China and Denmark at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games at Champery Curling Arena, Switzerland on Jan. 14, 2020. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

Liu said that she would spend an hour every day learning English after the YOG competition. "On one hand, it can promote communication with our foreign coach, on the other hand, participating in international competitions also needs such abilities. When it comes to college entrance examination, English is also a compulsory subject."

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