Dialogue with Li Jiajun, the first Chinese torchbearer and short-track speed skating star of the Beijing Winter Olympics
I hope the ice and snow athletes can play their best
From being exposed to ice and snow sports at the age of 6 to formally retiring at the age of 31, Li Jiajun was the first Chinese male athlete to win a medal in the Winter Olympics and a legendary figure in China's ice and snow sports.
During his career, he participated in 4 Winter Olympics and won a total of 2 silvers and 3 bronzes.
In the past 40 years, he has always been with ice and snow sports. After retiring, he has served as a coach, team leader and competition manager.
Now as the first Chinese torchbearer of the Beijing Winter Olympics, he is looking forward to the moment when the main torch of the Winter Olympics is lit.
On December 23, Li Jiajun said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from Beijing Youth Daily that there are only more than 40 days left before the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 4, 2022. Various preparations have entered the sprint stage, and various popular events are also gaining momentum. send.
In the competition at home, I hope that the ice and snow athletes will show their best demeanor, and I also look forward to more competitions to achieve "flying performance".
Every match must be carefully arranged
Beiqing Daily: How did you get involved with ice and snow sports?
Li Jiajun: I was exposed to ice and snow sports when I was 6 years old. At that time, I found ice and snow sports to be exciting and fun.
This has a lot to do with the region. In the winter in the Northeast, the weather is freezing and dripping into ice. Skating is one of the few winter entertainments.
There is another reason for myself. When I was a child, I often got sick. The doctor suggested to exercise more, so I enrolled in the training class and started to get involved in skating.
Beijing Youth Daily: You have won many championships in your career. Which championships are unforgettable for you?
Li Jiajun: From participating in international competitions in 1991 to leaving the national team in 2006, I have participated in a lot of competitions in 15 years.
Whether it is the first men's world championship, the first all-around championship, the first World Cup championship, the World Cup championship, team championships and the first men's medal in the Winter Olympics, it is not casual to create a new result every time.
For example, the champions of the Asian Winter Games, the players from Japan and South Korea are very strong, especially in the men’s side. There are 3 Korean players and 3 Japanese players in the same group of 7 people. Each game requires one's own skills, tactics and skills. The arrangement is very delicate.
Hope to drive 300 million people to ice and snow
Beijing Youth Daily: The short track speed skating field has brought you many glorious moments, but only the most important Winter Olympic gold medal is missing. Is it relieved now in retrospect?
Li Jiajun: Actually, it was relieved from the end of the game.
Because in 1998, when the Chinese men's performance had just improved greatly, at that time, there was actually no concept of Olympic gold medals. As long as they can compare well, the performance is good.
At that time, I didn't even have the idea of winning medals, because there was a very high probability of accidents in short track speed skating competitions.
I may feel even more regretful in 2002, when 5 people fell 4 in the short track speed skating field of the Winter Olympics.
Beijing Youth Daily: After retiring, why didn't you continue to work on short track speed skating?
Li Jiajun: After retiring, I also liked the job of a coach. I coached abroad for 4 years. After returning to China, I took speed skating and snowboarding at the Winter Sports Management Center of the State General Administration of Sports, and later managed competitions. , Has also undergone some transformations.
Now I am China's ice and snow promotion ambassador, a staff member of the Volkswagen Ice and Snow Department of the Winter Sports Management Center of the State General Administration of Sports, and a member of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Athletes Committee.
I hope that through my current work, I can fully drive 300 million people to ice and snow, and be able to publicize our China's ice and snow sports more, and to further target the performance of the Chinese Army in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and make short track speed skating. It is a kind of contribution that we should have, and we hope that our spirit can be passed on, so that our project will last forever.
I feel a sense of mission when I lift the torch
Beiqing Daily: How should young people enter ice and snow sports?
How to look at the development of the ice and snow industry in the future?
Li Jiajun: In recent years, China's ice and snow sports have undergone earth-shaking changes.
Last year, we conducted an inspection. At present, there are 803 ski resorts in operation across the country, and there are 654 indoor ice rinks. The ice and snow facilities and conditions continue to improve.
It can be said that under the strategic background of "Northern Ice Expanding from the South to the West" and "300 Million People Participating in Ice and Snow", flowers of ice and snow are blooming everywhere.
However, blooming everywhere is only the first step, and fruitful results can be regarded as real development.
Because of this kind of foreshadowing and the beginning of these situations, I feel that in the near future, there will definitely be more outstanding athletes.
Beiqing Daily: As China's first torchbearer, what was your mood when you lifted the "flying" torch?
Li Jiajun: Because of a long sports career, training, preparations and competitions are carried out day after day and year after year.
To tell the truth, I don’t have a comprehensive understanding of the Olympic culture. As a snowman, being able to participate in the collection and delivery, I feel extremely sacred and glorious, and I also have a new understanding of the Olympics.
The Olympic flame symbolizes light, unity, friendship and justice. Now when I recall that moment, I still feel a special sense of mission.
Peace of mind when playing at home
Beijing Youth Daily: As a senior, what advice do you have for Winter Olympic athletes?
Li Jiajun: There are only more than 40 days left before the Beijing Winter Olympics. Many teams are now returning to China to prepare for the battle. For them, this period is the most difficult and the most tormented.
I hope that all ice and snow athletes will be able to take the courage in the days to come, devote themselves to the preparations, and make their best appearance in the Winter Olympics.
Regardless of the result of the game at home, I think everyone will understand and support. As long as you can relax, calm your mind, and play your best side, you will complete the task.
Beijing Youth Daily: What are your expectations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics?
Li Jiajun: I hope that China Ice and Snow can stage an ice and snow feast for the national audience during this Spring Festival.
Text/Reporter Zhou Xueshuai Coordinator/Wang Haozhou