"I just want to be my best self" says Sochi champion Zhang Hong

PYEONGCHANG, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Olympic speed skating champion Zhang Hong said that she will strive to put on her best performance at the upcoming PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.

"I don't want to compete with the state of mind of a defending champion. I just want to be my best self and to give my best performance as an Olympic athlete," she said.

Zhang claimed China's first ever Olympic speed skating title at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, winning the women's 1000m with a large margin.

But troubled by her knee injuries, she has not been in her best form in the World Cup series this season.

"My right knee had problems before. Now it turns better, but my left knee has been a bit swollen since a couple of days ago," she said.

Zhang arrived in PyeongChang on Feb. 1 and had ice training sessions on Feb. 3 and Feb. 5. She said she felt better during the second training.

"I feel better as my knees feel better," she said.

According to Zhang, good news for her is that the ice technicians here are from Canada, and the ice here feels like the ice rinks in Calgary, Canada.

"I like the ice rinks in Calgary very much. I also have a good feeling on the ice here," she said.

Zhang said that other than the knee problems, she was in good form and she would participate in the test event on Wednesday if everything is okay.

"I will try my best to make preparations and to bring myself to the best state, both physically and psychologically," she said. Enditem