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Zhao's injury casts shadow on Olympic medal
Shen and Zhao, who became China's first-ever pair skating world champion in 2002, are the most successful Chinese pair with their impressive lifts and throws. In 1998, they became only the third Chinese pair in history to compete at the Olympics, placing fifth. They have won two Grand Prix Final events, and have stood on the podium at the last five World Championships, winning in 2002 and 2003. Olympic gold medal is Shen/Zhao's last dream since their best Olympic outing was a bronze at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, where a judging scandal spoiled the event. However, Zhao's chronic foot problem has affected them a lot. Although starting last season successfully with three Grand Prix wins and also the final winner of the tournament, they were forced to withdraw from this year's Russia World Championships and the Four Continents Championships. Zhao, who refused to receive any interview, is still in the hospital and expected to be discharged within the week. He hopes another miracle will happen on ice. "I won't give up and I still hope to stand on the Olympic pool next February. I will carry on the fighting spirit like my partner Shen at the 2003 World Championships, when she was also badly injured," Zhao told Yao. At the 2003 Worlds, Shen blocked her injured ankle and showed a flawless performance with Zhao in Washington D.C. to defend their world title successfully with four full marks from the judges.
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