Return to the top of the road to champions

Tao Wei, who was dressed in a red tracksuit and had a solemn face, stunned Norman in the distance when he appeared on the coach bench in such a posture. Yagudin in the corner.

Looking at Norman puzzled, Yagudin shook his head with questioning eyes, and Norman, who said nothing, brought Yagudin back to the coaching bench again.

Puzzled, Yagudin looked at the ice rink and then at Norman, "Norman?"

With a hint of surprise, Yaguding made Norman take a deep look, and then turned his eyes to the coaching bench of the Chinese team. Puzzled and puzzled, Yagudin followed Norman's gaze, staring at Tao Weirang on the ice rink. Yagudin was stunned, "Yagudin, Tao is an admirable athlete. I remember that Tao was injured in the last Winter Olympics, but Tao never gave up. Yagudin, you may have experienced more than Tao. , but that’s no reason to leave.”

Norman, who spoke softly, made Yagudin lower his eyes, and it seemed that the figure jumping vigorously at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the stiff movement of his body leaning on the wall appeared again in front of his eyes.

Is it really wrong?Yaguding kept asking himself in his heart, and the unsolvable answer made Yaguding raise his head to look at Tao Wei again. At this time, a gentle smile appeared on Tao Wei's face without the trace of awe. It's as heart-warming as it makes people want to be close.

Pursing his lips, Yagudin turned to look at Norman beside him, "Let me think about it."

With a hint of pleading, Yagudin made Norman smile, and lightly touched Yagudin's arm, "Okay, but Yagudin, I hope you can know that I need you."

The smiling Norman made Yagudin twitch the corners of his mouth to reveal a heartfelt smile for the first time in a while.

Of course, Tao Wei didn't know all of this. Tao Wei, who was engrossed in watching the game, walked out of the coach's bench to meet Wei Xiaowei, who went up and down the ice rink. Wei Xiaowei's performance was not amazing, but he didn't make any mistakes. Tao Wei's performance is lacking in agility, but after all, it is the first time to participate in the competition, and Tao Wei is already very satisfied with being able to do so.After patting the excited Wei Xiaowei, whose face was flushed, Tao Wei led the people backstage.

The two-day competition ended quickly. Of the four teenagers representing the Chinese team to participate in the World Championships, Wei Xiaowei ranked eleventh, while the remaining three were all behind fifteenth. It's not disappointing, but it's true that there are no bright spots.

This made Tao Wei feel a little heavy when he returned to the hotel after the game was over. Without bright spots, he could not attract the audience and resonate with the audience. This is undoubtedly a failure.

But how to do it, Tao Wei has no idea. It is undeniable that Tao Wei is the top player in the men's figure skating group, but as a coach, Tao Wei has no experience. It is said that Ma Deming cultivated Tao Wei, it is better to say that Tao Wei himself effort.

Tao Wei knows how to train. Tao Wei knows where to start. It can even be said that Tao Wei is ruthless to himself, but the moment he really stands on the coaching bench, Tao Wei's mentality changes. It is a responsibility, a responsibility that connects the past and the future. .

Letting out a long breath, Tao Wei turned on the TV, put the video tapes of the four teenagers in the VCR and turned it on, sitting on the soft carpet, Tao Wei watched carefully.

During the repetition over and over again, Tao Wei's slightly delicate brows slowly tightened. When watching Wei Xiaowei's free skating competition again, Tao Wei pressed the pause button, thought for a while, and moved his fingers again. Start, playback in slow motion.

Dong dong dong, before Tao Wei could catch the thought that flashed through his mind, there was a knock on the door. Tao Wei frowned and pressed the center of his brows, got up and walked to the door. Outside the opened door stood Yang Xiangle , the smiling Yang Xiangle was holding an invitation card with a red border in his hand.

"Xiao Taozi, your invitation post is here again."

Yang Xiangle's words confirmed Tao Wei's guess, and his brows were furrowed. Tao Wei took the invitation letter and sent away Yang Xiangle who was in charge of the team members' eating and drinking.

After gently closing the door, Tao Wei who hesitated for a moment opened the cover of the invitation letter. When he saw the gorgeously worded invitation letter, Tao Wei fell silent.

That is, after the Winter Olympics, Tao Wei has not appeared in the arena or in front of the audience for two years. Tao Wei is not indifferent, but Tao Wei is very aware of his state. Tao Wei is not afraid to improvise, but the success rate of Tao Wei's quadruple jump at this stage Extremely low, and what the so-called show skating audience wants to see is a good show rather than somersaults.

For three weeks, Tao Wei was sure, but could it be that all the improvisations lasted three weeks?Tao Wei is not reconciled, indeed, it has been two years, and the self who has disappeared for two years needs a chance, a chance to be remembered by the world again.

Just refuse?Tao Wei shook his head unconsciously, and just when Tao Wei was in a dilemma, Yaguding, who was on the ninth floor above Tao Wei, also received an invitation letter from the World Championships. Like Tao Wei, Yagudin also missed the season for a year. Gu Ding faced a much more difficult dilemma than Tao Wei.

Unlike Tao Wei, who has been recuperating for a year due to injury but still has a day to return to the game, in January 2004, Yagudin was diagnosed with a congenital hip defect. Gooding had to end his competitive career early.

But this time when he came here, even though Yagudin wanted to say a final farewell to his beloved figure skating, Yagudin, who did not expect to receive an invitation letter, trembled slightly.

The resolute Yagudin caressed the invitation letter in his palm, his eyes were red, and Norman, who was standing opposite Yagudin, could understand the regret that Yagudin had to retire, that is, after the Olympics, he won the World Championships with injuries for two consecutive years Yagudin's love for figure skating is heartbreaking.

Norman can't forget the moment when he saw the inspection report, the tears of the resolute Yagudin burst out instantly. At the age of 24, he quit the figure skating field in his best years, which is cruel to the Yagudin who loves figure skating. Norman also knows the original intention of following the Russian national team to the World Championships.

But Norman also knew that Yagudin was incapable of fulfilling the invitation, and Norman, who couldn't bear to let Yagudin feel sorry, walked back and forth in the house. walk in circles.

I don't know how long it took, but suddenly Norman stopped in his tracks, with a hint of excitement on his face, he walked up to Yagudin in a few strides, pulled Yagudin to open the door and ran out.

Running all the way, Norman, who reached the sixth floor, knocked on the door of Tao Wei's room. The dang bang sound made Tao Wei, who was full of entanglements, a headache. He rubbed his face and turned to open the door.

Tao Wei was stunned by Norman and Yagudin who were standing by the door panting heavily. He smiled at Tao Wei who hadn't recovered yet, and Norman who pulled Yagudin into the room closed the door and took Tao Wei, who didn't know why, walked into the room together.

Tao Wei, who was sitting face to face on the sofa soon, looked at the agitated Norman opposite, "Norman?"

Glancing at the invitation letter in Tao Wei's hand that was too late to put down, Norman put away the smile on his face, and looked at Tao Wei solemnly, "Tao, please do me a favor?"

Tao Wei was secretly startled by the solemn Norman, put away the smile that just appeared on his face, and looked at Norman seriously, "Norman, we are friends, if I can do it, I will not refuse."

Although there was no definite answer, Norman was slightly relieved by Tao Wei's answer. He looked at Yagudin, and Norman looked at Tao Wei again. Norman, who gradually showed a trace of sadness in his eyes, held Yagudin's hand. And took Tao Wei's hand, "Tao, please take Yagudin to the show skate together."

With a buzz, the stunned Tao Wei completely stunned Norman, even Yagudin, who had never known what Norman was doing, was stunned, "Norman."

Yagudin's exclamation, which was stunned for a while, woke Tao Wei up. He blinked his eyes, and Tao Wei stared at Norman closely as if he couldn't believe his ears. "Norman, are you kidding me?"

The unbelievable Tao Wei made Norman smile bitterly, shook his head, and squeezed Yagudin's other hand, "No, Tao, Yagudin is going to retire."

The simple sentence surprised Tao Wei immediately, and then his chaotic brain seemed to think of something. Tao Wei flashed in his eyes, remembering his last life in a trance. not very clear.

Is it now?Looking at Yaguding with puzzled and regretful eyes, Tao Wei moved his lips. He wanted to say something but found that the language was pale. Too brutal for an athlete.

Tao Wei, who pursed his lips, would not look at Yagudin with pity, because that would be an insult to Yagudin, but looking down at the two hands holding together, Tao Wei couldn't help but smiled wryly , "Norman, it's not that I don't agree, it's that I don't have the strength. After the Winter Olympics, I had an operation on my waist. Although I have resumed training for ten months, my condition has not recovered very well."

Tao Wei, who was frank, told the two of the situation at this time without any concealment. Seeing Yagudin's shining eyes slowly fell silent, Tao Wei was sorry but also had a trace of regret, for Yagudin and himself.

Tao Wei's words made Norman frown, and slowly let go of the hands of the two of them, pounding on the table and thinking about it. After a while, Norman raised his head and looked at Tao Wei, "Tao, your condition is so high. To what extent? Two weeks? Three weeks?"

Norman, who didn't mention it at all, looked at Tao Wei nervously, and Tao Wei helplessly made a gesture of three, which immediately made Norman's eyes light up, "Tao, if it's only three weeks, can I let you and Yagudin go together?"

"Pair skating?"

Tao Wei, who was slightly stunned, murmured, watching Norman nodding and shaking his head, and looking at Yagudin who was also confused, Tao Wei stood up, "Go to the training ground."

While talking, Tao Wei, who opened the cabinet and took out his coat, knocked on the door of Ma Deming's room before leaving, and a group of four went directly to the training ground behind. In the quiet training ground, after a muffled sound, the lights shone.

On the way here, Norman had already described Yagudin’s situation in detail like two people. When he learned that Yagudin could not take off, Ma Deming, who was so sad, knew why Yagudin had to retire. A figure skating Athletes who can't even complete the basic take-off have completely cut off their way forward.

But looking at Tao Wei beside him, Ma Deming was also very worried. Ma Deming didn't know what Norman was thinking, but Ma Deming had an idea in his heart that he couldn't hurt Tao Wei.

Although Tao Wei was very happy to help Yagudin, this was also the premise, but when he actually stood on the ice, Norman's words made several people completely confused.

Although Tao Wei was the first to come back to his senses, although he had a vague feeling in his heart, he was still shocked when he heard it. Looking at the excited Norman standing opposite him, Tao Wei really wanted to pry open Norman's head to see what was inside. what is it.

It is indeed the pair skating that Tao Wei first thought of, but it is not exactly the men’s and women’s double skating in the traditional sense. Instead, Tao Wei, who can complete the triple axel, completes the jump by cooperating with each other, while Yagudin, who can only use steps and rotations, is The following will be the assistant, not to mention anything else, it is impossible for two people without cooperation to complete it.

Moreover, the support must be two people who trust each other. Tao Wei thinks he can't do this. When Norman's voice just fell, Tao Wei and Yagudin objected at the same time. Tao Wei objected, and Norman could understand it, but Yagudin objected. Norman was puzzled, and looked at Yaguding suspiciously. Yagudin pursed his lips and looked at Tao Wei, "Tao, if I take off, can you be an assistant?"

Tao Wei was stunned, looking at the calm Yagudin, "Yagudin?"

Yagudin, who pulled the corner of his mouth and showed a smile, looked at the clean ice, "Tao, I have learned figure skating for 15 years, and figure skating has been integrated into my bones and blood. When I am about to say goodbye, I want to draw a happy ending for myself. full stop."

The deep sadness and reluctance in Yagudin's words made Tao Wei seem to see his cowardly self. He closed his eyes and pondered for a while. Tao Wei looked at Yagudin seriously, "I can't promise, but I will Work hard." An incomparably bright smile appeared on Yagudin's face, and he stretched out his hand to Tao Wei, who solemnly held Yagudin's right hand.

On March 2004, 3, a crowd of 14 people gathered at the Ice Center in Dortmund, Germany.

At 06:30 in the evening, Tao Wei and Yagudin appeared in the background at the same time, took off the costumes representing their respective countries, Tao Wei and Yaguding, one red and one black, stood together.

The black Tao Wei and the red Yaguding looked at each other, their tired smiles were full of confidence, and Yaguding, who turned his head and explained to Norman twice in a low voice, was waiting for the gap, and sealed it with six needles, covering the entire area. The six-needle closure of the waist and hip relieved the pain of following Yagudin for two years.

Putting down his skirt and starting to warm up, Yagudin searched for that passion in the rising numbness. Time flowed every minute and every second. When the hour hand pointed to seven o'clock and the minute hand pointed to fifty, it was finally Tao Wei's turn to take the lead.

Standing at the exit, looking at Yagudin who was silently and affectionately looking at the ice surface beside him, Tao Wei's chest was a little stagnant, and he stretched out his hand to Yaguding, "Yaguding."

Slowly retracting his eyes and lowering his eyes, Yagudin smiled, stretched out his hand and held the open palm, "Come on!"

After laughing, Tao Wei rushed out of the exit. Under the excited cheers, Tao Wei stood in the center of the arena after a round of detours. In the packed venue, after two years, Tao Wei stood again on the arena.

Tao Wei, who straightened his back and raised his head slightly, looked at the big screen hanging in mid-air. After a short silence, he showed a smile that concealed sadness. Tao Wei stretched out his hand and pointed to the palm of the mouth, "This will be an alternative performance. , please bring out my partner, Yagudin."

The surprised audience whispered, and under the whispers, Yaguding in red and black trousers rushed out from the exit, and instead of going around the field as before, he came directly to Tao Wei, the same young and the same Qingjun also smiled.

But one is extremely brilliant while the other hides a touch of sadness. Yagudin lowered his eyelids slightly after moving the headset next to his ear, and his gaze circled around reluctantly. The smile on his face deepened, and a bright and dazzling smile appeared. On the big screen, "I am here to announce my retirement from the figure skating rink. In fact, due to physical reasons, this will be my last performance on ice. I would like to thank my friend Tao Wei. Without him, I won't be able to say my last farewell."

The clear words shocked the audience, but at this moment, Yaguding was already choked up. Under the long eyelashes, glistening drops of water appeared on his cheeks. After expressing his gratitude to Tao Wei with a smile, he raised his head to signal Yagudin and Tao Wei, who started the music, stood on both sides.

The music sounded, and the passionate and vigorous "Revolution" repertoire sounded in the audience. Tao Wei and Yaguding, who started the show from the left and the right respectively, turned three times in a row. They met at halftime and leaped high. Yagudin jumped out of the classic 3a with tears on his face. During the rapid rotation, Tao Wei Mohawk on the ice made a turn three. The moment Yagudin fell off the ice, he appeared beside Yagudin, grabbed Yagudin's arm, and staggered from side to side With a swipe, Tao Wei, who let go of his arms, turned around and joined Baobu.And Yaguding, who was spun and held by Tao Wei, connected at the moment Tao Wei let go.

At this time, the audience had regained their senses, and the audience stood up and clapped their hands to the passionate music. Tao Wei Mohawk, who was gliding rapidly, changed his foot and turned three times, then jumped up vigorously, the same three weeks In half, the same perfect jump as Yagudin caused bursts of cheers in the arena.

Yaguding, who was crossroll-r to the third, held Tao Wei just as Tao Wei assisted him at the moment Tao Wei fell off the ice, and spun with his arms in the same way. They were behind each other, and the two separated again.

There is no brilliant pace, no toss jump that is common in pair skating, and even no four-week routine that is common in competitions, but two complete individuals cooperate with each other in an incomparable tacit understanding. You come and I interpret not only passion but also a brand new friendship. In the heart-stirring music, Yaguding took off for the last time, and Tao Wei's heart sank at the moment of taking off.

The expected four and a half weeks appeared in front of his eyes, calculating the distance, and Tao Wei, who was still following Yagudin with a simple turn of three, finally rushed to Yagudin's side the moment Yagudin fell into the ice.

The outstretched arms supported Yagudin's arm, and they slid half a circle longer than one big step facing each other. The music stopped, and Yagudin, who was trembling all over, lowered his head to wipe away the tears that had accidentally slipped, and raised his head again to reveal a brilliant and dazzling smile. smile.

"Yaguding, Tao Wei, Yaguding..."

In the big screen with cheers, the bright and dazzling smiles were deeply engraved in everyone's hearts.