In just four days, China's rising skiing star Li Fanghui went from learning she would compete in the Asian Winter Games to claiming the first gold medal for the Chinese delegation.

Li Fanghui of China competes during the women's Freeski Halfpipe final match of the Freestyle Skiing event at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. Li Fanghui claimed China's first gold medal of the Games here on Saturday. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

During the women's freestyle skiing halfpipe final on Feb. 8, the 22-year-old Harbin native delivered an almost flawless performance, dazzling her hometown crowd to secure the gold.

The freestyle skiing halfpipe has long been a stronghold for China, with superstar Gu Ailing earning more than 10 World Cup titles in the discipline. However, Gu had to withdraw from the Games due to injury.

Li, who had just returned from competing overseas for Olympic qualification points, was called in as a last-minute replacement.

"I arrived at the competition site only two days before the event," Li said. "But I had been training as a backup athlete, so when I got the call, I felt both joy and calm."

She proved more than ready for the challenge. In the first round, she scored 93.00 points with smooth, controlled movements to take an early lead. By the third round, she soared again, earning a near-perfect 95.25 to secure her victory.

"I only focused on my performance, and I didn't realize this was the first gold for Team China until after the competition," Li said. "To bring glory to my country in my hometown feels incredible. I will keep pushing forward."

FROM FALLING TO SOARING

Born in 2003 in a small county in Harbin, Li was selected for a sports school after excelling at her elementary school's sports meet. She trained at a martial arts school, where she honed the strength, balance, explosive power, and aerial control essential for freestyle skiing.

At just 11 years old, she was recruited by the national freestyle skiing halfpipe team. Rather than relying on natural talent, she refined her skills through countless falls and relentless training.

"It felt like playing, but I was scared every time I skied, afraid yet excited," she recalled of her early training days.

Each new trick in the U-shaped halfpipe required extensive practice, and every challenge felt like running into a wall. "You had to break through it to make progress," she said.

In 2022, Li placed fifth in the halfpipe event at the Beijing Winter Olympics, but a clavicle injury sent her into a two-year slump. She struggled to regain her form and passion, and last year, she staged a comeback, winning medals at World Cup events and the X Games. She is now ranked fourth in the International Ski Federation standings.

As she continues to push her limits, Li has learned to manage her mindset. "Fear from my clavicle fractures used to affect my training," she said. "This season, every time I compete, I tell myself that injuries are nothing to fear."

The Yabuli snow park in Harbin, where she began skiing, holds a special place in her heart. "The last time I skied here was seven or eight years ago. Back then, I was young and unsure of my path ahead," she said. "Winning this gold here means a lot. It's a new beginning."

CHASING OLYMPIC GLORY

Inspired by Gu's success, Li and other young Chinese skiers have integrated into the international freestyle skiing scene, not only matching global technical standards but also developing their own styles.

"I've improved my English a lot too. I used to be shy when traveling abroad, but now I can easily chat with others," Li said of her experiences at international competitions.

For her, shining at the Winter Olympics remains the ultimate dream -- a dream that sustained her through difficult times. The 2024-25 season will be crucial for securing a spot at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and she is determined to push herself further.

"With better training conditions and improving form, I feel my skills progressing," she said. "I want to focus on getting even better. For the 2026 Winter Olympics, I hope to give my best."

After stepping off the podium in Harbin, Li wasted no time celebrating. She has already traveled to Calgary for a World Cup event and will soon head to the World Championships in March.

With Gu expected to return from injury, China's freestyle skiing team looks poised for a strong showing in 2026, aiming to make an impact on the snow-covered slopes of the Alps.

"In this world draped in silver, we will brave the cold winds and, through each leap and fall, surpass ourselves, letting skill and strength soar through the snow," Li wrote on social media.

"Our sprint toward victory has already begun. I believe we can give our all to bring glory to our country. Go, Team China's freestyle skiing halfpipe!"