BEIJING | A rather goofy rule catches the eye at the National Ice Ring, a frigid and soulless place. To counter the spread of COVID, spectators are prohibited from talking, shouting and cheering in the stands. Yes, yes, you read that right.
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A little everywhere, you can see posters where you read the rules of use that are the opposite of the traditions of long track skating. We are therefore very far from the cacophonous and crowded stands where songs, cries and encouragement resonate in an overexcited atmosphere.
On one side of the Beijing ice ring, the Chinese spectators are scattered in the stands. If there are hundreds of them, it looks more like cardboard silhouettes because they don’t emit any sound. The extremely rare agitation of small flags makes it possible to distinguish a human or a quidam who does not take a deep snooze.
All you hear is the sound of the blades, the voices of the descriptors and the sounds of the national team members who have come to cheer on theirs. Some of them, in a burst of excitement, dare to transgress the rule. Certainly without knowing it.
A drum
They are, however, rare. Bloemen supporters did. We heard a drum sound for a few beats. The party did not lift, far from it.
The atmosphere remained just as icy. And that’s good to say. The National Ring is however one of the only sites where we do not freeze them inside.
This magnificent futuristic and spacious building lacks soul. Without turning it into a fairground, it would certainly be possible to allow encouragement there to infuse energy into the skaters.
“Personally, I don’t run on the energy of the crowd. It’s nice to receive his support, but it’s not a competitive issue in my case, indicated the Canadian Ted-Jan Bloemen.
“On the other hand, this rule of remaining silent, not shouting and not encouraging is ridiculous,” he said, mocking it. I want to say, come on. »
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com