The Beijing Winter Olympics is less than two months away now. For many athletes, this is a very stressful time, as they try to peak their performance at just the right time. Chinese freestyle skier Xu Mengtao has lots of experience with this, but can it finally pay off on home soil? Our reporter Cen Ziyuan has more. 

Xu Mengtao is one of the most decorated athletes in her sport aerial freestyle skiing. Earlier this month, she moved to the top of the all-time list surpassing even the Australian legend, Kee Cooper as she claimed her 26th Freestyle Skiing World Cup win with victory in the aerials event in Finland.

Less than two months to go til the Beijing Winter Olympics, Xu seems to be hitting form at the real right time, but she knows she can take nothing for granted, as so many variables influence performance.

XU MENGTAO Chinese aerial freestyle skier "Being an athlete in aerial freestyle skiing, the 26 gold medals is a collective effort of the team. The program can be impacted by external factors. The wind, snow, quality of the snow, temperature, and the differences between each field need to be accounted for."

Despite her prowess, however, the most elusive of medals still evades her: an Olympic gold. She came desperately close in Sochi in 2014 claiming the silver. After three Games of hurt, this will be her fourth try.

XU MENGTAO Chinese aerial freestyle skier "I was 19. Now, I am 31. It's about ten seasons. Sometimes I did not get to wear the yellow vest. But if I was competing and skiing in that season, I would wear my yellow jacket. This will be my fourth time competing in the Olympics. No matter if I suffered from injuries or I was out of form, since I was 19, I always tried my very best."

The yellow vest is for the skier with the highest aggregate score in the individual program. As she looks forward to possibly realizing her dream of Olympic Gold on home soil, she says the bottom line, not just for her, but for everyone, is just aim to do your best.

XU MENGTAO Chinese aerials freestyle skier "I hope, for me and my fans, no matter if it's preparation for the Games or recovery, we can be positive when facing challenges at work and in life. I believe the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be full of passion and glamour."

She also told CGTN she has spent time proudly telling her competitors on tour all about the city of Beijing. We're looking forward to a great competition. Cen Ziyuan, CGTN, Beijing.