by sportswriters Li Chunyu and Jiao Ziqi
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Less than 12 hours after carrying China's flag at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics opening ceremony, Liu Sitong claimed the country's first medal of the Games on Saturday morning, taking bronze in the women's downhill sitting event in para alpine skiing.
In her third appearance at the Winter Paralympics, the 31-year-old is now chasing glory with a calmer mindset.
On the first medal day of para alpine skiing, Germany's Anna-Lena Forster claimed the women's downhill sitting title in 1:25.79, just 0.05 seconds ahead of Audrey Pascual Seco of Spain. Liu finished third in 1:31.27, while her compatriot Zhang Wenjing ranked fourth.
"I believe my mom is so proud of me. The bronze medal is an encouragement, giving me more confidence and motivation," said Liu.
She added that Friday's opening ceremony at Verona Olympic Arena was also a source of pride, with Liu and para snowboarder Ji Lijia serving as China's flagbearers.
"I was really honored and excited. It was beyond my imagination," she said.
Liu has long been regarded as a leading figure in Chinese para alpine skiing. Since joining the national team in 2016, she has witnessed steady breakthroughs in the sport.
At PyeongChang 2018, Liu became China's first para alpine skier appearing at the Winter Paralympics. On home snow at Beijing 2022, Liu pocketed one silver and three bronze medals, and saw more teammates qualify for the Games.
"I was eager to win a gold medal in 2022. But now, I just follow my passion and enjoy the process. The result will not be bad," she said.
Besides the downhill sitting, the three-time Paralympian will also compete in the Alpine combined sitting, giant slalom sitting, super-G sitting, and slalom sitting at Milan-Cortina.
"I will strive to improve my performance in the rest of the events. I am always ready," said Liu.
Throughout her career, Liu stuck to rehabilitation sessions in the pool under the guidance of team doctors.
"Skiing has already become an integral part of my life. I almost lost myself when I was told not to ski due to the fracture. I couldn't accept losing outside skiing tracks whatever. Instead, I should stand on the start line and finish the race," she noted.
"All athletes want to perform their best and reach the podium at the Games. The efforts may not be seen, but will ultimately be paid off," Liu said. "Chinese para skiers have a promising future. We may bring courage, persistence and confidence to more people." ■
