Canadian choreographer Lori Nichol in a training session with the Chinese figure skating team at Shougang on Jan. 9. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Lori Nichol, a world leading choreographer who has worked with the Chinese team for more than 10 years, sung high of Chinese figure skaters and expected Sui Wenjing/Han Cong to win gold at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
"I think Sui/Han have a very good chance of Olympic gold, if they can stay healthy," Lori told Xinhua on Wednesday, who choreographed Sui/Han's two programs this season.
Nichol, always called Lori by Chinese figure skaters, came to China this week to train with several world and Olympic champions. She choreographed some famous programs for former Olympic gold medalists Shen Xue/Zhao Hongbo.
"I think the standard of athleticism and artistry they've achieved is on a different level. They just need to stay healthy and keep going. They are not only good, but are eager to have more. You can feel the energy in them," she added.
"I think they are also very good at dealing with pressure. With that atmosphere of Olympics on the homeland, I think they will be okay if they train enough.
Chinese figure skating pair Sui Wenjing/Han Cong in a training session on Jan. 9. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Lori also worked with Peng Cheng/Jin Yang and Jin Boyang this season.
"Peng/Jin improved a lot, and I think if they continue to train well, they also have a chance to win an Olympic medal. They were second at the Grand Prix Final, a big win for me. I hope the victory may help them build up more confidence in the training," she said.
"I also think Jin Boyang has a good chance at Beijing 2022. He is learning fast," said Lori.
Jin took a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and finished fourth at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
"When you are coming up very young, and don't understand anything, you just train hard and skate well ... And then, there's a medal. But after that, you begin to understand there is pressure too, and that is the champion's experience.
"It takes time to adjust to the atmosphere and to other things like the social media and fans. (You're going to) learn that you need the right way to train, and I think he (Jin) is going to figure it out. I think he's such a great guy and I call him sunshine. When he comes to the rink, everything wakes up. I really hope he can get the gold."
Sui/Han said their new programs were different and challenging, which is a result of Lori's innovation.
"Both programs are quite innovative, because we have time this year. Sui had injuries and they didn't compete at the Grand Prix. We have time to study, to find the right music, and to work on the movements. We have many different ideas.
"Creativity takes time, so we want everything to be brand new, and I think we're on it. It is also very challenging. We were very excited for the programs to debut at the Four Continents."
The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships will kick off on Feb. 4 in the United States.
