CRI听力:Athletes Arriving for Sochi Olympic Games

Arriving at the Olympic village, many athletes are giving Sochi a "thumbs up."

"I know I can say I feel really safe. The security precautions that they've been taking are really impressive. So I feel comfortable."

"It's a lot of fun. A lot of athletes are showing up. It's great to see everybody coming to the village. The cafeteria is great. There's a lot to do. The biggest thing is going to see all the venues. It's an amazing thing Russia did and there is no doubt in my mind that they are gonna put on a show."

China has sent a 139-member delegation to the Olympics, which begin in the Russian city on Friday.

Vancouver Winter Games runner-up Tong Jian has been selected as the flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the Olympic opening ceremony.

Tong took a silver medal in pairs with his long-time partner and girlfriend Pang Qing in Canada four years ago.

With four-time Olympic short track winner Wang Meng out of the picture due to an injury sustained in a training session three weeks ago, the 34-year-old Tong is the most decorated and experienced athlete in the delegation.

The Chinese short-track speed skating team has already begun its first practice session.

The training, which lasted only 70 minutes, focused on relay races, to condition the athletes' technique and strength.

The figure skating event is set to begin on Thursday, a day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Chinese figure skater Zhang Kexin was seen gearing up for her event.

"Everything feels fresh and I'm really excited. The competition is about to start, but I am trying to calm myself down so that my excitement doesn't affect my performance during the competition."

Li Zijun, another Chinese ladies' singles skater, is expected to arrive in Sochi on Sunday.

Chinese ice dancers Huang Xintong and Zheng Xun, who entered the Sochi Olympic Games through qualifiers, are also readying their routine in Sochi.

Ahead of the games, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the IOC's decision to bring the games to the Black Sea resort.

"We understand it was not an easy decision to make, to grant the right to host the Games in a city which back then, barely had 10 to 15 percent of the necessary infrastructure required. But you placed your faith in our potential, you placed your faith in the Russian character, which doesn't flinch from difficulties, and that unites us."

This is the first time Russia has hosted the Winter Olympics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to take part in the opening ceremonies.

For CRI, this is Cao Yuwei.