[Global Times-Global Network report reporter Xing Xiaojing Wan Lin] "I want to go skiing in Xinjiang!" On the 2nd, Mark Chanloung, a skier who represented Thailand in the Beijing Winter Olympics, said in a video interview with the Global Times reporter: "I usually train in Europe, and I can personally feel the difference between Xinjiang and Europe, which will be a very good experience!" ”
The Altay region of Xinjiang, the "origin of human skiing", has become a "ski paradise" with its unique advantages of "long snow season", "excellent snow quality", "sufficient snow" and "wide snow area". Mark Zhanlong told the Global Times reporter that he was glad that China had such superior skiing conditions, and if he had the opportunity, he was very willing to go to Xinjiang to skate.
It is reported that the Thai delegation, including four athletes, stayed in the Beijing Winter Olympic Village on January 29, including men's cross-country skier Mark Chanloung, women's cross-country skier Karen Chanloung, men's alpine skier Nicola Zanon and women's alpine skier Mida Jaiman.
It is worth mentioning that women's cross-country skier Karen Zhanlong is the sister of Mark Zhanlong, who will serve as the standard-bearer of the Thai delegation at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Mark Zhanlong will be the first player in the Thai delegation to play in the Winter Olympics, planning to participate in the cross-country skiing men's doubles chase (15 km traditional technology + 15 km free technology) held on the 6th. The siblings also represented the Thai team in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and their parents have been accompanying their siblings to participate in the competition.
"I feel good, I think I can get off to a good start for Thailand in the 6th match." In an interview with the Global Times, Mark Zhanlong said, "I am very happy to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, and the accommodation, food and other conditions here are also good." Mark's excitement was so great that on the day he stayed in the Winter Olympic Village, he couldn't wait to go to the cross-country skiing site to try out the equipment, and posted the photo on the "photo wall (Instagram)", with the caption "Let's start the Olympic adventure" (pictured below).
Mark told the Global Times reporter that he had participated in competitions in Tianjin and Hangzhou before the outbreak of the epidemic in December 2019, and it was the first time he had come to Beijing. So far, his experience in Beijing is good, entering the closed loop has not affected his daily training, although the movement is not so free, but now safety is more important.
Mark and his sister Karen, a mixture of Thai and Italian descent, were born in a small village in northwestern Italy, skied since childhood and were selected for the Italian national team. "When it comes to snow sports, people don't usually think of Thailand. Thailand is neither snow nor cold, and it is indeed difficult to develop winter sports. Mark told the Global Times that despite this, the level of ice and snow sports in Thailand has improved. In 2016, in order to help Thailand develop ice and snow sports, but also for personal better development, Mark brothers and sisters officially joined the Thai national team, and represented the Thai team in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.
Mark recalled that there were only 2 years left before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and the two brothers and sisters changed coaches, and everything had to be re-adapted. This time, in order to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, he and his sister prepared for 4 years. "I am well prepared and confident of achieving good results in the competition," Mark told the Global Times reporter, expressing his expectations for the Beijing Winter Olympics, adding that the Beijing Winter Olympics also provide an opportunity for skiers around the world to communicate.
The Beijing Winter Olympics have promoted the further development of ice and snow sports in China. Mark once met a team from China in New Zealand, and the two trained together for a while. "I've seen a lot of Chinese athletes grow, and I'm happy to see more countries join the ice and snow movement," he said. In Mark's view, China has very good conditions and opportunities to develop ice and snow sports.
For young people who are keen on ice and snow sports, Mark said that it is inevitable to encounter some difficulties when starting school, and as long as you stick to it, it will become easier and easier. And, once you master this sport, you will enjoy it, so "don't give up"!
While training, Mark also studied physical education at a university in Milan. He told the Global Times reporter that after the Beijing Olympics, he will return to school to participate in the pre-graduation defense and prepare for the next competition. In addition, mark Zhanlong, who will celebrate his 27th birthday at the Beijing Winter Olympic Village on February 9, said that there are competitions before and after the birthday, which may only be celebrated with his family.