Chinese New Year's Day is a holiday celebrated around the world, and even during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, that is no exception. 

As millions of Chinese gathered with their families, many would have been watching the Games in South Korea as Sui Wenjing and Han Cong took to the ice for the free skate portion of the pairs figure skating. The reigning world champions came to PyeongChang as the favorites, and after a spectacular performance where they posted a personal best score of 82.39 points in the short program, the Chinese duo were in first place, raising expectations that they would deliver a much anticipated first gold in these Olympics for China. 

But unfortunately, that was not to be as some small mistakes in the free skate resulted in Sui and Han being beaten by the slimmest of margins - 0.43 points - by the German pair, Aljona Savchenko and Bruno Massot. Sui and Han won the silver, a fantastic achievement and China’s second medal at the Games, but nonetheless were disappointed with the result as they had their sights set on gold.

This was Sui and Han’s first time competing at the Winter Olympics, and it is incredible that they were able to do so. In May 2016, Sui underwent surgery on both feet that resulted in her having to learn to walk again, let alone skate with the best in the world. But Sui was able to fight through the painful rehabilitation process and get back on the ice, and in early April 2017, she and Han won gold at the World Championships. Sui overcame another injury even more recently as just a few weeks before the Olympics, an accident in training left her needing five stitches in her thigh and unable to practice properly. Yet once again, Sui battled back to represent her country with pride in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

After they won the silver medal, I spoke to Sui and Han who talked about how they were able to overcome so many obstacles: they credited their close relationship forged after skating together for 10 years and the inspiration they draw from one another; they also thanked the great work of their coaches who helped them to maintain their love of skating and stay among the best in the world. Just as they have done before, Sui and Han will no doubt come back stronger from this disappointment and will be looking to top the podium on home soil at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to add the gold medal to their hard-won silver.

Later on Thursday, our CGTN team were welcomed to a special branch of the famous Chinese noodle restaurant Kang Shi Fu to celebrate Chinese New Year Eve. We were treated to delicious food and great company from other Chinese attending or working at the Games as we devoured tasty hotpot and other delicacies. For many people there, it will be their first Spring Festival away from home and family, but the festive atmosphere helped everyone come together as Chinese and guests from around the world celebrated in traditional style. A fantastic night and one more great memory from the Games.

Happy Chinese New Year and my best wishes to you in the Year of the Dog!