Pass on the spirit of hard work (Olympics and Me)

It was my dream to become a torchbearer for the Beijing Winter Olympics, and now I have come true.

This is my fourth time as a torchbearer, I have participated in the torch relay of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 24th Winter Universiade, but for an ice and snow athlete, it is unusual to be able to participate in the Winter Olympic torch relay on his doorstep.

On February 2, when I held up the first torch of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the excitement and pride in my heart were difficult to describe in words. The prosperity and strength of the motherland have given us the strength to host the Winter Olympics and let us see the vigorous development of ice and snow sports in China.

More than 50 years ago, a clip of the competition is still vividly remembered: it was February 24, 1963, in Nagano, Japan, when I was standing at the final starting line of the 57th World Men's Speed Skating Championships, my coach ran up to me and called my name and asked me to look down at what was on my chest.

The sportswear I was wearing at that time was a sweater with the word "China" embroidered on it and a national emblem in the middle. I understand the meaning of the coach, to fight for the motherland, to win glory for the motherland, this is my most important task.

2m 09.20m, I won! I defeated an opponent who was physically stronger than me, set a new world record for men's speed skating in the 1500m at that time, and became the continent's first winter sports world champion. As I stood on the highest podium, holding medals and certificates, the audience threw flowers at me and cheered me on. At that moment, I was very excited, and I understood my mission and responsibility to contribute to the ice and snow sports in China.

For decades, I have participated in Chinese ice and snow sports in different capacities, and speed skating has become an integral part of my life. Today, although I have been retired for 25 years, I will still go to the training of the national team and the provincial team and talk about my suggestions and ideas.

Today's athletes have very complete security, from training facilities, training technology, auxiliary technology to dietary security are better than in the past. I believe that in such a training environment, young athletes have more confidence and strength to stand on the highest podium.

I'm 81 years old now, and I've spent my life contributing to speed skating and ice sports. For me, what I am holding in my hand is not only the torch of the Beijing Winter Olympics, but also the condensation of the fighting spirit of generations of Ice and Snowmen in China. I hope to pass on the fighting spirit of the older generation of athletes through the Winter Olympic torch.

Fight hard, kids! I look forward to your excellent results at the Beijing Winter Olympics and winning glory for the country!

(The author is China's first winter sports world champion, this newspaper reporter Tao Xiangan interviewed and sorted)

People's Daily ( 2022-02-04 06 edition)