BEIJING, Feb. 15 -- China's golden dream has been shattered by Russian super mum Svetlana Zhurova in the women's 500m speed skating at the Turin Games.

    Svetlana Zhurova of Russia beat a pair of Chinese skaters to win the women's 500m speed skating title at the Turin Winter Olympics.

Wang Manli

    Zhurova had an indubitable performance Tuesday night for an aggregate time of 76.57 seconds, edging Wang Manli, the world champion in 2004 and 2005, into second place in 76.78 seconds.

    This was the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the 34-year-old Russian, the sixth placer in the 500m at the Salt Lake City Winter Games four years ago.

Ren Hui

    "I had a baby and a victory, the two things are good," Zhurova said in smile. "It's unbelievable. I want to thank God, my baby and everybody. This medal is not for me, it was very important for Russia. I did it for my country."

    The Russian was a leader in the event during a spell of 1996-2001 but dropped to 14th in the 2005 World Single Distances Championships.

    In the 2006 World Sprint Championships, the veteran topped the sprint combination, thus resuming her forces to charge for a glory in Turin.

    When talking about the race, Zhurova explained that "it was not an easy race. I thought when I came over the finish line that I was second, because I couldn't see my time. People around the track told me that I was the number one. At first, I couldn't believe it, but it's true that I'm the Olympic champion."

    On her rival Wang Manli's performance, Zhurova said that "it's just sport. I'm very sorry. You know, second is very close to first but still makes you upset."

    Wang, a four-time Olympian, felt a big regret over the loss.

    "It's a regret to miss the chance to win a gold medal. Now, I had the mixed feelings. Everybody has pressure but I didn't transform the pressure to motivation. She (Zhurova) is mentally stronger than me," she said, tears in eyes.

    Asked if she felt pressure when Zhurova finished race one in 38.23 seconds, the 16-time World Cup champion said that "I once finished a race in 38.25 seconds here, so actually we are nip and tuck. It's not because of injury or something else, just mentally weak."

    Wang's fellow Chinese Ren Hui settled to the third place in 76.87 seconds. The 23-year-old was on her maiden Olympic journey and was excited about the bronze medal.

    "I never expected this. I have given my all in the second race and I made it to the podium."

    On the 2010 Vancouver Games, Ren, the bronze medalist in 500m in the 2004 World Championships, said that "I haven't thought about that. I will start all over again and improve my skills step by step." Enditem