From the snow-covered mountains of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region to the world's biggest winter sports stage, Cidan Yuzhen's journey has been built on perseverance, passion and determination.

Born in 2006 in Longzi County in Shannan, Xizang, Cidan grew up surrounded by high-altitude terrain and harsh winters. Introduced to skiing at the age of ten, she gradually transformed her natural endurance and resilience into sporting potential, eventually becoming a core member of China's national ski mountaineering team.

At just 19 years old, Cidan made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, marking a major milestone in her young career. Competing against the world's best athletes, the teenager carried not only her own dreams, but also the hopes of inspiring more young people from plateau regions to pursue winter sports.

In the latest episode of Sports at the Roof of the World, Cidan reflected on her Olympic experience and the challenges she faced on her path to elite competition. She described how years of demanding training and difficult conditions helped shape her mentality and strengthened her love for ski mountaineering.

Despite her rapid rise, Cidan remains deeply connected to her hometown in Shannan. She spoke about the encouragement she received growing up and her desire to give back by motivating the next generation of athletes across China.

Looking ahead, the young skier has already turned her focus toward the 2030 Winter Olympics. Determined to continue improving, Cidan said she hopes to push beyond her current limits and achieve even greater success on the international stage.