The National Speed Skating Oval, known as the "Ice Ribbon", is one of the most iconic new competition venues for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the only new venue for the ice events of the Games.

Former world speed skating champion and Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee Speed Skating Competition Director Wang Beixing told the reporter that the venue operation team began preparations for the April test events after entering the site at the end of November 2020. At the beginning of March this year, the team and the International Olympic Committee successfully conducted a 3-hour tabletop competition simulation.

Wang Beixing, Director of Speed Skating Competition, Sports Department, Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee. Photo courtesy of the interviewee

"Ice Ribbon" design takes the needs of athletes, technical officials and other personnel into consideration. Wang Beixing said that she witnessed the impressive growth of "Ice Ribbon" from a flat ground to an amazing stadium which is now ready to welcome athletes participating in the testing games. “Everyone's expectations for the Winter Olympics are my work standard," added Wang, the former Olympic Winter Games champion.