Liu Boqiang [Photo via YNET.com]
At 7 a.m., Liu Boqiang arrived at the National Winter Sports Training Center in Shougang Park on time, starting his work of ice maintenance. Liu Boqiang used to be a rolled steel worker in Shougang Group, and now he works as an ice maker to provide guarantee services for the training of the national team.
More than 10 years ago, Shougang implemented the overall relocation of its steel production line. Today, this hot land for steel production will closely integrate the building of new landmark for urban rejuvenation with the preparation for the 2020 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, the organic renewal of old industrial areas as well as the green and high-end development, aiming at transformation and development. Workers of Shougang Group are actively participating in the new development, many of whom, like Liu Boqiang, have realized the transformation of their careers and embraced a new life in the new era.
In the North Zone of Shougang Park, "four ice rinks" are lined up from the east to the west. Among them, curling training venue, figure skating training venue and short track speed skating training venue which are transformed from the original fine coal workshop are lined up, and are collectively known as the "four ice rinks" of Shougang Park together with the hockey venue transformed from a coal cargo station. As of now, China's figure skating national team, short track speed skating national team and curling national team have moved into their "new home" successively.
When opening the door of the curling venue, you can feel the burst of cool air at the entrance. As you enter the venue, the temperature plummets, which is a huge contrast to the high temperature outside. This is the place where Liu Boqiang works every day.
Curling gives much joy to audiences but the ice on curling tracks is difficult to make. "Unlike ordinary ice rinks, the surfaces of curling tracks should not be smooth, but should have a layer of bump which is called freezing point. Such layer is designed to change the smoothness of curling tracks so that players can better control curling stones and sweep the ice." Liu Boqiang said.
In order to master this skill, Liu Boqiang kept figuring it out under the guidance of foreign coaches and finally won the opportunity to work on the ice on his own. "Only when you can really work on the ice, would you know that one success does not mean everything. Only when you get it right every time can you be considered to master this skill." Therefore, Liu Boqiang keeps on practicing every day so as to keep improving his ice making skills.
"Holding a successful Winter Olympics is of great significance to our country. I have always dreamed of contributing my due part to secure a successful Winter Olympics." Liu Boqiang is looking forward to serving the Beijing 2022 as an ice maker in 2022.
(Note: Content source is from People's Daily.)