Team China
Top skater now master of snow world
By Qin Zhongwei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-09 07:59
 |
Large Medium Small |
Related video: Winter wonderland
China's legendary female speed skater Ye Qiaobo says she is very lucky her passion for ice and snow continues to offer a fulfilling life long after she retired from competition.
Among the many commitments to winter sports that continue to guide her lifestyle was helping develop China's only indoor ski area, which opened in 2001.
After finding an investor, Ye used her fame to attract skiers to her namesake Qiaobo Snow World resort 15 km from Beijing Capital International Airport in the city's Shunyi district.
The 40,000-sq-m snow dome houses a comprehensive facility for skiing, dining and accommodation, which together offer not only recreation, but also a leisure holiday away from the bustle of city life.
"It is very interesting as you can ski here all year round," she said, noting she often visits with friends just like any other ski enthusiast.
Now a second indoor ski facility named after her, the first in south China, opened in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province in September.
"It is extremely popular with children and provides one more choice for recreation in the city," she said. "And a third one is going to open soon in Nanjing."
It is rare for children in south China to see snow - so playing in the refreshing substance is no longer a luxurious fantasy.
But Ye has not spent her years since retirement solely developing recreation facilities.
After serving as a torch relay consultant to the Beijing Olympics, she will leave in January for Canada. She is one of two Chinese athletes invited by the Organizing Committee of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Canadian Tourism Commission to join that competition's torch relay.
Although she has traveled to many countries, it was usually for training or competition.
Without the anxiety of racing, Ye said she is looking forward to her upcoming journey.
"It is exciting to enjoy the pure happiness brought by ice and snow," said Ye, who was the first Chinese athlete to win medals in the Winter Games.
In the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, she took home silver medals in the 500m and 1,000m events.
(China Daily 12/09/2009 page28)
