Sports at the Roof of the World: A day in the life of ski mountaineer Cidan Yuzhen

At the ski mountaineering training base in Linzhi, southwest of China's Xizang Autonomous Region, 19-year-old athlete Cidan Yuzhen lives a life built on discipline, passion and quiet determination.

Known as one of China's rising winter sports talents, Yuzhen has already won two gold medals at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin and represented the country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. However, beyond the competition and medals, her daily routine reveals a grounded young athlete balancing intense training with simple moments of joy.

Away from the slopes, Yuzhen spends time with friends, enjoys relaxing hobbies and continues her cultural studies, embracing a lifestyle that keeps her mentally refreshed as well as physically prepared.

The teenager takes pride in her achievements so far, while also recognizing the value of the lessons learned on the Olympic stage. Rather than dwelling on past success, she has already shifted her focus toward an even bigger target – the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Training at high altitude on the "Roof of the World," Yuzhen represents a new generation of Chinese winter sports athletes emerging from regions not traditionally associated with snow and ice competition. Her journey reflects both the rapid development of winter sports in China and the perseverance required to compete at the highest international level.

Still only 19, Yuzhen approaches her future with humility and ambition, continuing to work steadily toward the dreams that first inspired her to step onto the snow.