Mexico City, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- "The experience of participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics was fantastic! It's the best thing in my life. Everyone I met after coming to Beijing was very warm and courteous, and everyone was like a family. When Ecuadorian alpine skier Sarah Escobar was interviewed by Xinhua News Agency on her way home from Beijing, she praised the experience of participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
On the evening of February 4, the Ecuadorian delegation entered the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Huang Zongzhi
Sarah was the first female athlete from Ecuador to participate in the Winter Olympics and the only athlete in the Ecuadorian delegation to the Winter Olympics. At the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics held on the 4th, she served as a flag bearer and walked into the "Bird's Nest" of the Chinese National Stadium with her head held high with the Ecuadorian flag held high.
"Being the flag bearer of the delegation at the Beijing Winter Olympics is the greatest honor of my life. This honor belongs to all Ecuadorians, to my country, to my family, to my friends and to all those who support me. Speaking of the feeling of being the standard-bearer of the Winter Olympics, Sarah still can't hide her excitement.
Sarah competed in the women's grand slalom event of alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics, but was unable to finish the second round. "I fell in the second round. But wrestling is part of the game, and where you fall, you get up. I'm not going to give up, I'm just going to practice harder. Sarah said she will strive to compete in the next Winter Olympics and continue to learn from high-level athletes.
"The Olympics is a unique place, it is the biggest competitive sporting event in the world. It is an honor for me to participate in this Winter Olympics. "The Olympic spirit unites everyone, no longer paying attention to our differences, we are all fighting for the sport we love and forming the Olympic family together." ”
On the evening of February 4, the Ecuadorian delegation entered the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Yang Lei
February 1 is the first day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar, and Sarah, who is preparing for the battle, celebrates her 20th birthday in Beijing. "It was also my first training day after I arrived in Beijing. When I returned to the athletes' rest room after training, the staff wished us a 'Happy Chinese New Year' and I told them that today was also my birthday. One volunteer gave me a Chinese knot and told me it was a symbol of good luck. ”
On the same day, Sarah also received a birthday cake and flowers prepared for her by volunteers, and other athletes in the Winter Olympic Village also wished her a happy birthday, which made her very happy. "Attending the Beijing Winter Olympics is my best birthday present." She told reporters.
"All the volunteers were considerate and helpful and they worked hard to make the athletes feel safe, warm and at home." Sarah also frequently praised the Winter Olympic volunteers in the interview.
During the Winter Olympics, Sarah also became good friends with two Chinese volunteers. "They are lovely and kind, and I gave them small gifts of Ecuadorian characteristics when I left. Hope they are all right. ”
The staff of the souvenir awarding ceremony placed "ice pier" souvenirs. Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Chang took the photo
Talking about the mascot of the Winter Olympics, "Ice Pier", Sarah's mouth went up: "I bought several 'ice piers' to take home, they are really soft and cute!" ”
Sarah learned to ski at the age of 3 under the guidance of her parents. When she first started learning to ski, she needed her parents to "lure" her with cookies and chocolates to get up and go to the ski slopes, but she soon began to make a name for herself in various competitions.
Sarah is currently studying psychology at St. Michael's University. Talking about how to balance training and learning, Sarah said that the school has a special schedule for student athletes, half a day of training, half a day of classes. "It's not easy to balance training and learning, but the school, the community and the teachers understand and support us."
"I think every athlete who participates in the Winter Olympics is a 'warrior.'" Sarah said, "I stood on the Winter Olympics and worked hard, and I feel like I've won my own gold medal. ”
Written by: Wang Zhongyi, Cui Yuanlei
Participating reporters: He Juan, Wang Chao, Su Jiawei
Editors: Liu Ning, Huang Xuguo, Ji Jiadong, Li Xinyi (Intern)