Olympic champion snowboarder and Beijing Paralympic heroes share the love

Mature beyond his 18 years, snowboard superstar Su Yiming is happy to embrace his new-found role-model status, and is especially pleased to learn that China's Paralympic heroes have been inspired by his history-making feats.

Su became a household name in China at Beijing 2022 in February by becoming the nation's first Olympic gold medalist in men's snowboard Big Air, after bagging a slopestyle silver.

Among the tens of millions across the country to be inspired by Su's heroics was Ji Lijia, who won gold in the snowboard men's cross SB-UL event at the Winter Paralympics in March.

"It's a pity that we can't meet in person right now due to the pandemic. After I found out we would have a chance to communicate, I couldn't sleep properly for two nights. So I'm glad to know you," Ji told Su in a video message.

"I remember I was so nervous watching your Big Air and slopestyle competitions at the Winter Olympics. I was so thrilled when you won. I hope you can stay healthy in the future and win more honor for our nation.

"I also hope you can continue to raise your level in the future. As you said yourself, we need to love what we do and keep fighting for it to achieve our dreams. You have a very promising future, so keep on fighting, Su!"

Those feelings of respect and admiration are mutual. After watching Ji's message during an exclusive interview with China Daily, Su remarked: "I followed the action at the Beijing Winter Paralympics after I finished my competitions, and I hold Paralympians in the highest regard. Olympic snowboarders have many difficulties to overcome－but their Paralympic counterparts have a lot more challenges to face.

"With such huge difficulties, they keep pursuing their passion. Such spirit is a huge inspiration to me. I want to express my best wishes to all the Paralympians hoping they can achieve more in their careers."

Chinese para ice hockey player Wang Zhidong, who was one of Team China's flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Paralympics, is also a huge fan of Su's.

Wang's team claimed an unexpected bronze medal at the Games in March as one of the host nation's most significant breakthroughs.

With the squad only established five years ago, China's para ice hockey players muscled their way onto the podium with five victories in a tournament usually dominated by Western teams.

"My teammates and I all watched your competitions, and you are our role model. Your positivity, determination to make breakthroughs and desire to win honor for our nation inspired us," Wang told Su via video message.

"The spirit that you showed at the Games deeply touched and inspired me. And the strong mentality was exactly what made us more confident at the Paralympics. I will keep following your progress and keep my passion for ice and snow sports.

"I also hope you can have a great life while you continue fighting for your snowboard dreams, as well as success in your academic studies. I hope you can soar even higher in the future."

Before the Beijing Winter Olympics, Su never imagined his exploits would have such a far-reaching influence, but the teenager clearly relishes being a role model.

"I know how important an idol can be to a person," said Su, who realized one of his dreams when competing alongside his own snowboard hero, Canadian Mark McMorris, at Beijing 2022.

"I know there are many people who like me, and make me their idol. So now I want to show the best of myself to all those people. If you find your passion, you need to invest your best efforts in it."

That attitude has paid off spectacularly for Su, who reckoned he "wasn't even as good as some amateurs" when he began his career around four years ago.

Now with Olympic gold in his collection, he won't be easing up on the hard work－either on the snow or in his academic life.

"I want to win more snowboarding titles, such as the X Games and Dew Tour. I want to achieve a Grand Slam of snowboarding," Su added.

"I'm still a high-school student right now, so I also need to ensure I don't neglect my studies. I'm hoping to receive admission letters from my favorite universities next year."