Li Jinyu: Coaches and teammates inspire me to perform well

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Li Jinyu has become the youngest Chinese Winter Olympic medalist. Her performance has helped the short-track team overcome what has been a difficult Games for the squad, dealing with several disqualifications earlier.

In an interview with CGTN, the skater said she did not expect the result at all.

"Before I reached the final, I never thought I could have such a good performance. I had no pressure," said Li. "Everything could happen, in terms of the judges’ decision. I can't say that I was confident I would be moving onto the final.”

Li Jinyu outduels Canada's Kim Boutin for earning silver medal. /VCG Photo

The 17-year-old skater outdueled Canada's Kim Boutin for silver, and picked up China's first podium finish in short track in South Korea. She got lots of encouragement from her coach, and her skating idol, two-time Olympic champ Zhou Yang.

"It was not only confidence that helped me win the silver medal. My coach encouraged me a lot instead of putting pressure on me. At the same time, my idol Zhou Yang encouraged me, and that gave me strength."

"I don’t want to set a high target, but I still hope that I can win more medals for my country," Li said.