QIQIHAR, Northeast China, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Local fans in the newly-built Qiqihar Gymnasium is overjoyed to see star skater Wang Beixing grasp two gold medals for the city in the short-distance all-round events on the shiny ice tracks.

    The loud echoes of cheers never linger so long in the overcrowded gymnasium.

    Wang Beixing, now the best skater in China who trains in Canada and came back for the 11th National Winter Games, breezed on the ice lane, cherished her goals deep in her heart, and dashed through the finish line at exceptional fast speed.

    Unlike so many skaters racing and chasing on narrow and short tracks in short-track speed skating, speed skating is something so different. In speed skating, two skaters run the race against time on a four-meter wide lane each.

    Wang Beixing, spearheading China's speed skating efforts and achievements, has been deemed the best chance to end China's speed skating gold medal drought in Winter Olympic Games.

    In the morning contest, Wang was in high spirit. Dressed in a black suit, she moved as fast as an arrow on the tracks. Every time she finishes a race and takes off her cap, a pool of long black hair would come down and flow with her like a shadow, sparking cheers from the large home crowd.

    Born into an ordinary Chinese family in 1985, Wang learned her first skating skills at a local training school here in Qiqihar.

    "I have coached her for years. I sent Wang to the provincial team in 1999 for her exceptional abilities," her coach Liang Xiaoping told Xinhua.

    Though still very young, Wang has been a star in international competitions and her achievements are remarkable.

    Wang now holds the national records of 500 and 1,000 meters and is already a World Cup though she only taken part in a dozen of international races.

    "Though having participated in only 16 international competitions, the skater is maturing and her progress cannot be greater. Her understanding is cute and skills are near perfection," said Xiao Hua, director of the speed skating department of China's Winter Sports Management Center.

    Since 2003, Wang has been trained in Canada under the strict guidance of Canadian coach Kevin Crockett.

    "Besides the five hours on the ice rink, I set aside one or two hours each day for learning language. On weekends, I discuss training matters with my teammates," Wang disclosed.

    As for her foreign coach, the 23-year-old skater described him as "best coach" for his great skating career and marvelous training experience.

    In spite of her achievements, Wang keeps a low profile in skating and life. On the media report that she is likely to succeed Wang Manli as speed skating queen of China. But Wang herself won't agree.

    "Manli is recovering from injury. She has not retired yet. I think every skater should cherish a dream of winning gold medals at Winter Olympic Games and strive to achieve it," Wang said.