Chinese Olympic Weightlifting Team enjoy some down time in the hills of north Wales

Chinese Olympic team weightlifters Wei Deng, Xiaoting Chen and Xiaofang Ouyang give caernarfon Castle the thumbs upChinese Olympic team weightlifters Wei Deng, Xiaoting Chen and Xiaofang Ouyang give Caernarfon Castle the thumbs upThe Chinese Olympic Weight Lifting team, who are staying at Bangor University for their 2011 pre Games training camp, in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games, enjoyed a rare relaxed morning before their departure, enjoying a sight-seeing trip through the Welsh countryside.  They were shown a few of the sights and how much the area around Bangor has to offer.  The first stop was the impressive Caernarfon Castle where the team were greeted by the Deputy Mayor of Caernarfon, Tudor Owen, as they arrived at the castle entrance.  They were given a guided tour, before having the chance to explore the ancient building for themselves. 

The Chinese weightlifters at Llyn Padarn The Chinese weightlifters at Llyn PadarnVenturing onwards towards the mountains, the Chinese Team stopped to admire views of Snowdon from Pen Llyn near Penisarwaun.  A relaxing ride followed as they made their way past the foot of Snowdon and learnt of Snowdon’s history.  A local guide explained that Snowdon was the training ground for the men who first conquered Everest and the athletes watched the traditional steam engine chugging through the clouds and up the mountain.

“It was a very good day,” said Yu Tao Olympic athlete, “I really enjoyed it. The highlight of the day was definitely the castle, it was amazing.”

Chinese weightlifter Yong LuChinese weightlifter Yong LuThe team have been dining at Bar Uno at Bangor University’s Ffriddoedd Residential site and their tough training schedule has been facilitated by Maes Glas Sports and Leisure Centre.  Sports and Leisure manager Dave Jones said “This has been an incredible opportunity to see world-class athletes in action.  We are very proud that the facilities we offer at Maes Glas have been so well received by Olympians!”

Watch the video of the team's visit

Bangor University event & holiday accommodation 01248 388088

Maes Glas Sports Centre 01248 382571

Bar Uno 01248 388887

Publication date: 10 August 2011