When it comes to Madagascar, it's hard to associate this Indian Ocean island nation with winter sports. Four years ago, at the age of 16, Klek participated in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics with excitement, becoming the first female athlete in Madagascar to compete in the Winter Olympics. Now, she will represent the motherland on the stage of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Recently, Klecker said in an exclusive interview with People's Daily that he hopes that her story will inspire more young people to forge ahead on the road of chasing their dreams.
Kleuk in the game. Courtesy of respondents
Love makes her choose to dream of the Winter Olympics - "Skiing is a real love"
Born in a small town near Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, Kleke was adopted by a French family at the age of one and has since moved to live in the French province of Savoie. Like many girls, as a child, Klerk loved to draw and dance. By chance, a friend in dance class invited her to a ski club event. Although Kleck didn't like skiing at first, after trying and learning, she gradually discovered the joy of this snow and ice sport: "Skiing is my real passion because it gives me a unique feeling. ”
Later, as her level improved, she began to participate in competitions held around the world, which gave her the idea of competing in the Winter Olympics. With the support and encouragement of her family, she began her journey to pursue her Olympic dreams at a young age. In 2018, Klerk participated in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as madagascar's first female skier, finishing 48th in the Alpine Ski Giant Slalom among more than 80 runners. "Standing in the stadium spotlight, I really felt the charm of the Olympics." Klecker recalled.
Klecker served as Madagascar standard-bearer for the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Courtesy of respondents
After the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Klecker participated in a series of events such as the World Championships, the South American Tour, the European Championship, and the World Cup, and qualified for the Winter Olympic Games, winning tickets for himself and Madagascar to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. Today, Klecker is very much looking forward to the early arrival of the Beijing Winter Olympics, "I hope to create better results and keep moving closer to the world's top skiers."
Faith allowed her to overcome many difficulties - "continue to chase the Olympic dream"
In January, Klecker accidentally fractured her leg during training, and she returned to the ski slopes six and a half months after surgery. "This is the first time I've been seriously injured while skiing. All training plans were disrupted. "However, in the face of many difficulties, the dream of chasing the Olympics is like a beam of light, helping her to get through the difficulties and regain her confidence to face the future." I feel very fortunate to be able to get back in shape in a relatively short period of time and get back on the field. ”
The sudden outbreak of the new crown epidemic has also had a great impact on Klecker's training. However, she always maintains a positive mindset and good physical condition, just as she always shows a bright smile on her social media accounts.
After experiencing the double test of injury and epidemic, Kleck is more mature in her mentality, fully realizing that superb skiing skills, strong physique and positive mentality are the indispensable core qualities of professional athletes. Now she is fully engaged in training to prepare for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. "I want to chase my Olympic dream and create better results."
Inspiring more youth – "Dreaming of Standing on the Olympic Podium"
Klecker is also a design enthusiast. She enthusiastically designed her own costume and hoped to achieve a new breakthrough at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Encouragingly, this time she will no longer be alone. Encouraged by Klecker, Matej, an 18-year-old skier from Madagascar, also qualified for the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Kleuk in training. Courtesy of respondents
"If my experience inspires more young people and proves that everything is possible, then this will fulfill my mission." In an interview, Klecker said, "I want to tell all young people to work hard to achieve everything they love, whether it's sports, design, or other fields. She hopes that more and more African youth will participate in skiing, and hopes that everyone can find fun in snow sports.
Facing the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Klecker said: "I will do my best to prepare for the competition and make my motherland more proud of me." My dream is to stand on the podium of the Olympic Games. ”
Soon, Kleke will represent Madagascar at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics. She can't wait to start this winter Olympic journey as soon as possible: "I look forward to exploring China, learning about China's traditional culture, and leaving an unforgettable memory in Beijing." ”
Kleuk with a big smile. Courtesy of respondents