Liu Jiayu is China's first and only athlete to find the podium in snowboarding at the Winter Games, taking home the silver medal in the half-pipe event in 2018. And Beijing 2022 will be the 4th time she has competed on the Olympic Stage. Currently training in Europe, the snowboarder recently spoke with the media and snowboard brand Burton on the build-up to the games. Omar Khan has more.

Twenty-nine-year-old Liu Jiayu has become an icon for Chinese snowboard fans. At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, she made history for her country, becoming the first Chinese medalist in Olympic snowboarding.

And over the past decade she's also found success in other international competitions, all whilst keeping an attitude of modesty.

LIU JIAYU Chinese Olympic Snowboarder "For me personally, I know that some people may think there are different levels of competition. But as a snowboarder, all competitions are the same for me, be it national, international or the Olympics. For me, I compete at the same level in every event. Of course, Olympics means something different for the country. But for me, I want to perform at the highest level. I want to do my best. That's what I do." 

Currently in Europe, Jiayu has had to spend time away from friends and family. Speaking with colleagues, friends and snowboard brand Burton via video link, she's been able to shed some light on her current training.

LIU JIAYU Chinese Olympic Snowboarder "Although there are a lot of factors that have been affected, training is quite standard here. The venues are quite good so I'm happy with that. I can train and build chemistry, carving through the snow and all of that has been good. In November I came to Austria and have been taking part in a training camp here."

Originally from Heilongjiang Province, Jiayu is no stranger to snow and a frosty climate. And when asked how she feels about the Olympics coming to her home country, it's a clear sense of honor and excitement.

LIU JIAYU Chinese Olympic Snowboarder "It's huge for China to host both summer and winter Olympics. It means a lot for winter sports in China that the games are going to be in Beijing. It's going to promote winter sports in China, and not only snowboarding. Even with the impacts of the epidemic, I think there's a sense of excitement for the Olympics."

Omar Khan, CGTN, Beijing.