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February 13, 2010

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Home » Sports » Olympics

Shen eyes dream medal after her wedding ring

Source: Agencies | February 13, 2010, Saturday | Print Edition

NO marriage, no Olympics - that was the ultimatum Shen Xue handed her pairs partner Zhao Hongbo before agreeing to make a comeback into competitive skating.

Shen made sure her man understood her message if he wanted her to come out of retirement and chase an elusive Olympic gold.

"He wanted to come back. I told him we had to get married first and then he can persuade me to come back for the Olympics," a grinning Shen, wearing a canary yellow jacket over her black outfit, said as she showed off her wedding ring.

Fittingly, the couple will begin their fourth attempt at winning the top prize in pairs figure skating on Valentine's Day. At 36, Zhao knows time is running out for them.

"We're really happy to be back competing. To win an Olympic gold is a dream for us. We've been to three Olympics and won two bronze medals," he said.

"This is our last chance to win a gold medal. I'm the oldest athlete in the Chinese team. I'm here because I wanted to win gold so much."

The pair married in 2007.

The husband-and-wife team have been in stupendous form this season, winning all three grand prix events they entered and look the strongest of the trio of Chinese pairs who finished second, third and fourth in Turin four years ago.

They effortlessly cut through the ice in practice on Thursday to lay down the gauntlet to their rivals.

However, there is one thing that could ruin the couple's romantic outing on Sunday.

"I have an upset stomach as I'm not used to the food," Zhao said with a rueful smile while rubbing his dodgy stomach.
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