HOHHOT, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- "Relieved!"
Cai Xuetong, the distinguished world champion in women's snowboard halfpipe, succinctly expressed her relief after clinching the gold medal at China's 14th National Winter Games, a sentiment that speaks volumes given her illustrious career.
At 30, Cai's resume boasts three World Championships and 14 FIS World Cup golds, yet the victory at Zhalantun ski resort in Inner Mongolia, during Saturday's National Winter Games, was far from just another win in her collection.
She later described why this victory released her pressure.
"I eventually accomplished one of my career milestones by winning the national champion title," said Cai.
This triumph brought her closer to the last unchecked box in her career: an Olympic podium finish.
Despite her success, Olympic glory has remained elusive for Cai, who has competed in four consecutive Winter Olympics since 2010, without reaching the podium.
"As for Olympic medals, who wouldn't be obsessed with them? But at the Beijing Winter Olympics, I realized that sometimes (missing the podium) is destined; there are too many contingencies. It's not about how much effort I put in, it doesn't guarantee standing on the podium."
The women's snowboard halfpipe event at the Beijing Winter Olympics was the closest Cai Xuetong came to the Olympic podium, finishing in fourth place.
On the commute bus back after the competition, she sat alone at the back, silent and contemplative.
"That was the most memorable competition of my career. If I had remained immersed in the emotions of that time, I might have quit snowboarding. But when I wasn't snowboarding, I realized I still want to stand on the halfpipe's starting zone."
"I thought I still have the potential to achieve that Olympic dream. So, why should I stop?"
It reignited her determination to pursue her Olympic dream, with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in sight, acknowledging it as her final opportunity for Olympic participation.
In extending her athletic journey, another factor also contributes a lot except her Olympic dream.
Throughout her two-decade sporting journey, she has gradually uncovered a profound appreciation for snowboarding.
Cai Xuetong's introduction to snowboarding is a tale familiar to many Chinese athletes. A sports school coach discovered her at age 10 while she was skating in a neighborhood park. This led to her embarking on a rigorous training regimen, day in and day out, year after year. In 2004, as the halfpipe competition debuted at the Winter Olympics, China was in the process of forming a snowboarding team, and her selection was solely based on this emerging need.
During that period, snowboarding was virtually unknown in China, with hardly anyone engaged in the sport or familiar with its culture.
"At that time, I only focused on achieving good results. I thought about how I could become a world champion or Olympic champion. I only concentrated on what tricks I could perform, without paying much attention to the styles and forms when I executed that trick."
Through training and competitions, Cai Xuetong gradually established connections with the international snowboarding community. Possibly due to her innate understanding of the sport. She realized that, in addition to rising technical difficulty, snowboarding also requires developing one's "athletic expression."
"After receiving guidance from foreign coaches and experiencing training and competitions abroad, I saw the authentic snowboarding culture. "
Cai Xuetong admitted that her understanding of snowboarding has transformed from a simple competitive sport to an appreciation of the style and culture of snowboarding itself.
"Now, for me, snowboarding is not just a competition, not just the halfpipe skills I engage in. Snowboarding is a relaxing feeling for me; it's also my way of life. I can chase snow all year round, slide down different snow-covered mountains. It's the most enjoyable thing for me so far," she said.
This change of understanding is reflected in Cai's riding form and style.
The audience may notice Cai Xuetong's riding style has become more powerful, bold, and confident in recent years. And she readily accepts such evaluations.
"In fact, now when I watch some new riders, even if they don't ultimately stand on the podium or make it to the finals, I appreciate their riding style."
Recently, a group of snowboarders aged 16 or younger have emerged on the scene. Unlike Cai Xuetong, who started snowboarding at age 10, these riders can be considered "snow natives."
"For example, the 12-year-old Patti (Zhou Yizhu) who just competed with me in the National Winter Games. She is already well-known in the snowboarding community. Her riding ability and style are truly talented!"
"My generation faced many challenges when venturing into snowboarding; every step was a trial. But now they have matured in technique and experience."
Cai doesn't hide her admiration for these younger riders. The rise of the new generation not only allows her to see the future of snowboarding but also inspires her to continue exploring the possibilities of snowboarding and keeps her youthful spirit alive.
"This is why, at the age of 30, I still want to snowboard. I want to enjoy the happiness that this sport brings me for a few more years."
"I also hope that Chinese snowboarding is sustainable, with generations of riders progressively moving up."
As Cai prepares for her potential last shot at Olympic glory, she remains focused on her inner happiness and the joy snowboarding brings her. "I want to listen to my heart... I need to make myself happy from within," she concluded, embodying the spirit of an athlete who has found true contentment in her pursuit, regardless of the outcome. ■
