China News Service, March 20. Recently, Maria Danou, the flag bearer of the Greek delegation for the Beijing Winter Olympics, accepted an exclusive interview with China-Greece Times and shared her 20-day Olympic journey.

　　Maria Danu competed in the women's individual sprint, women's 10km and women's 30km team events.

In the interview, she thanked the Chinese people, all members of the Olympic Organizing Committee and delegations from various countries for their hard work, praising "this is an unparalleled Olympic Games".

　　Maria Danu also looks forward to visiting Beijing with her family again after the epidemic is over, visiting traditional Chinese architecture and experiencing Chinese culture.

On the evening of February 4, the opening ceremony of the 24th Beijing Winter Olympic Games, which attracted worldwide attention, was grandly held at the National Stadium.

The picture shows the "Building a Snowflake" session at the opening ceremony.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan

Is it your first time to China and what is your impression of Beijing?

Maria Danu

: This is not my first time to China, I have been to Guangzhou, Wuxi, Shanghai.

During the 20 days in Beijing this time, I strictly followed the "bubble" epidemic prevention measures and did not travel around.

But fortunately, I still felt Chinese culture in the Olympic Village.

How do you evaluate the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics?

Maria Danu

: For the holding of this competition, we clearly know that it is "hard-won", such a unique Olympic Games held during the epidemic, it has brought everyone closer together, thanks to To the Chinese people, all members of the Olympic Organizing Committee and delegations from various countries, it is their hard work that makes this Olympic Games a complete success.

　　At the opening and closing ceremonies, we had a taste of the history and culture of the host country, and also felt the solemn and enthusiastic mood of the Chinese people for hosting this event.

In addition, I am also honored to be able to listen to the speech of the President of the International Olympic Committee, and his speech expresses the voice of our athletes.

On the evening of February 4, the opening ceremony of the 24th Beijing Winter Olympic Games, which attracted worldwide attention, was grandly held at the National Stadium.

　　My favorite shows include fireworks displays, "snowflakes" engraved with the country's name, and the way the torch is lit this time. I think there is a deep ingenuity behind every detail, and this is what touches me the most.

When entering the venue, the volunteers danced enthusiastically, which made us feel the most sincere welcome. I was very moved and very happy at that time.

　　There was a program at the ceremony that surprised me a lot. A group of Chinese children sang "Ode to the Olympics" in Greek.

At that moment, as a Greek, I was proud and proud of my people, my country, my culture.

Both China and Greece are countries with long histories. This scene is like two ancient civilizations communicating cordially and telling their history.

How was your experience with Beijing Winter Olympic Village?

Do you have any novel experiences to share?

Maria Danu

: All the staff, including volunteers, athletes, OCOG staff, etc., are very helpful and I enjoy communicating with them.

I know most of them are college students.

I think they are also the transmitters and promoters of the Olympic spirit, and I am very grateful for their contributions.

　　In addition, China's high-speed rail shocked me.

It took us 3 hours by bus and 15 minutes by high-speed rail.

We also saw a beautiful sunset on the high-speed train.

Convenient and fast face recognition and body temperature testing systems, etc., these high technologies make our lives more efficient, which is very enviable.

Did you see the mascot Bing Dundun?

Did you bring some souvenirs for your friends?

Maria Danu

: Bing Dun Dun is such a magical mascot, you can see it dangling on the road every day, taking videos everywhere, but if you want to get it, it is estimated that you can only get the highest result in the Olympic Games. .

We tried queuing up to buy Bingdun Dun souvenirs, but it was sold out before we got there, so I regret not being able to fulfill the wishes of my friends.

On February 20, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics figure skating performance was held at the Capital Gymnasium.

The picture shows "Bing Dun Dun" appearing in the show.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan

　Is training at the Beijing Winter Olympics any different from usual?

Maria Danu

: I think the altitude is different than usual, so acclimatization is also a challenge for athletes.

But almost every athlete faces this adaptation process.

I am very grateful to everyone for providing a warm preparation area for the athletes, so that our athletes do not have to shiver in the cold wind, which is very helpful to us!

How do you think ice and snow sports will develop in China in the future?

Maria Danu

: China has very good skiing facilities. Chinese friends can try to learn skiing, and foreign athletes can also choose to train here.

I believe that as long as more people are willing to try to learn ice and snow sports, China may become a "victorious general" in this field in the future, showing China's ice and snow culture to the world.

(Elenh, Wu Jiali, Chang Lin)