What is the national ski team doing in the summer?
Xu Mengtao, a girl from Anshan and the leading figure of China's women's freestyle skiing aerials team, won the silver medal in this event at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. She is currently undergoing summer training with the national team.
“Want to know what the freestyle ski aerials team is practicing—and how—this summer? Here’s the deal: Just add me on WeChat, and I’ll send you videos and pictures. Words alone just can’t do it justice, and frankly, it’d be tough for you to fully grasp it that way too.” Xu Mengtao spoke candidly, adding that she’d been interviewed before, only to find the other party completely confused after listening to her explanation for ages.
Through videos and images sent by Xu Mengtao, along with her expert explanations, the reporter finally understood how they train in the summer—by setting up a realistic, full-scale "ski slope" using specialized, imported plastic materials from abroad. The helmets, snowboards, and other equipment are all authentic, while their ski suits have been replaced with life vests and wetsuits. Actions like starting, gliding, taking off, and performing aerial maneuvers are all executed for real, with landings done directly into a water pool below.
"The biggest difference between summer training and actual snow training in winter lies in the landing—instead of slopes and ski runs, you’re working on a flat water pool. Other aspects, however, aren’t drastically different. Since China’s snow season is short, this is the only way we can keep refining our skills during the long, hot summers," explained Xu Mengtao. She added that China’s freestyle skiing aerials team has been gathered at their training base in Qinhuangdao since June 15—and will stay there until October.
“The team conducts a pool test once every month, and this month’s took place on the 25th. I ranked first among the women’s team.” As expected of the “number one,” Xu Mengtao told reporters that after resuming training recently, she’s now fully confident in landing her triple-truck jump.
Is the long summer training boring? Xu Mengtao says they have plenty of extracurricular activities: "In July, there’s a shuttlecock-kicking competition; in August, a poetry recitation contest; and in September, even a talent show. Overall, training life remains vibrant and fulfilling." But what interests Xu Mengtao most is the team’s weekly cultural classes held every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
Xu Mengtao's Winter Olympics Dream
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, 24-year-old Xu Mengtao landed unsteadily on her final jump during the finals, settling for the silver medal. This marked Xu’s second time competing at the Winter Games.
“My current training goal is the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea—without a doubt, I’ll be giving it my all to fight for the gold medal.” The PyeongChang Games will be Xu Mengtao’s third Olympic appearance.
“And let’s not hide it—Beijing/Zhangjiakou is currently bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, and we all know the chances of success are very high. If Beijing lands the bid, I’d naturally love the opportunity to compete in my fourth Winter Olympics right on home soil. That’s a dream of mine—and I’m sure it’s also the dream of every Chinese winter sports athlete!”
By 2022, when the fourth Winter Olympics take place, Xu Mengtao will be 32 years old. But age won’t be an issue; after all, Ester Ledecká claimed gold at Sochi at the age of 34. “Our athletes’ physical conditions differ from those of international competitors like Ledecká,” Xu explains. “While Li Nina was already past 30 when she competed in her fourth Olympics, she was specifically a two-time-trick skier and had even taken a two-year break from competition before returning.”
Xu admits that while she dreams of competing in 2022 on home turf for her fourth Olympic appearance, she’s not setting any rigid expectations. Instead, she’ll focus on how her body and competitive form hold up. “First and foremost, Beijing must succeed in its bid! But if Beijing does win the hosting rights—and I’m unfortunately unable to participate—I’ll still find other ways to get involved, doing everything I can to support the Beijing Winter Olympics. On that front, there’s absolutely no question!”
Xu also shares her excitement about being able to witness the moment Beijing secures its Olympic bid on July 31. “I truly believe Beijing will succeed! Wishing Xu Mengtao all the best as she prepares for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games in South Korea.”
