Callan is working on the sheet in the Ice Cube. (Photo by Liu Xu/Xinhua)
Before all the shouting, sweeping and applause fills China's National Aquatics Center, the sheet is a platform for established ice technicians Hans Wuthrich and Mark Callan to practice their exact science.
BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Before all the shouting, sweeping and applause fills China's National Aquatics Center, also known as the Ice Cube, which will hold Beijing 2022 curling events starting on February 2, the sheet is a platform for established ice technicians Hans Wuthrich and Mark Callan to practice their exact science.
With a chronoscope in hand, Wuthrich's eyes were focusing on the stone drawn by Zhang Zhiyuan, a Chinese ice-maker, to judge whether the ice is perfect.
"Curling ice is the hardest one to make among all others, because a very very tiny mistake will make a big problem. So, this will be our job to make everything perfect," the Canadian said.
After working for about two weeks, the ice is dry and clear with stones from Scotland being used to test its quality. "In this venue, we are very fortunate to work with really really good people, so things are going very well," Wuthrich said with appreciation for his Chinese colleagues.
This is the fourth Olympics for Wuthrich to work as a chief ice technician. Dealing with ice for 40 years, he can tell the ice's condition with his eyes, and the rich experience gives him confidence with the ice he has made this time. "It will be a great game."
Consistency of the ice is critical. The sheet is built on the swimming pool that witnessed many unforgettable swimming medalists in Beijing 2008, and the construction is detachable for sustainable use.
"The venues and the ice are amazing. It's very consistent and flat, and it performed well in test events," said Wuthrich.
Callan holds the same view. Wearing a jug on his back, he moonwalked down the center of the sheet while waving a petal-shaped copper sprayer back and forth, sprinkling droplets across the surface, which form pebbles after being dried.
"We monitor all conditions like ice, temperature and humidity to ensure the ice is perfect for players," he said. "If it provides a fair chance for players to show their skill level, it will be really good news to us."
The two have cooperated in many world and European curling championships, and this is the third Olympics for them to work as a team after Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018.
"We are a good team. We have different experiences of conditions, and we hope to be able to use our knowledge to make the ice perfect for competitors to share," said Callan from Scotland, the origin of curling. He will be staying in China until March because he also works as the chief ice technician for the upcoming Paralympics.
Amid the global pandemic, Wuthrich felt a little disappointed since the fantastic venue will not see a crowded audience, and "the ice won't become red due to crazy fans like in Canada." However, he and Callan appraised the work done by the IOC and China.
"Given such conditions, everything around us is improving daily, and we feel really safe," Callan said. "The working staff has done a splendid job."
"I can feel the unity, which is the Olympic spirit here. There is a real feeling of everybody working together. It's almost like a big family and everybody is dedicated and focused and making sure the Games are a success," Callan said. ■
