Veteran alpine skier Li fulfills dream in National Winter Games in Xinjiang

Li Lei claimed his second gold medal at the 13th National Winter Games here on Saturday when he won the men's giant slalom event.

The 29-year-old veteran, who is competing in his third National Winter Games, produced two runs of 47.62 seconds and 46.49 seconds to place first overall, adding to his victory in the combined event on Friday.

"Well done, my lad!" some skiers extended congratulations to Li, the oldest skier among the 36 athletes in men's alpine skiing.

"I'm very happy to be crowned the national champion again. All my hard work has been rewarded," said Li.

Li first took up skiing at the age of 12. After nine years of training, Li made a fame when he won a gold medal in his first National Winter Games in 2008.

But a spinal injury denied Li a chance to defend his title four years later. He spent hours a day in training over the past four years.

"Sometimes I really felt boring, but luckily, I managed to go through the hardships and hold on until now," said Li.

"I think the two gold medals is a perfect ending to my career."

These games are probably Li's last edition of the quadrennial event. When asked about his plan for the future, Li said, "I will probably switch to a coaching job."

Xia Lina, also a 29-year-old veteran who had represented China at 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games, fulfilled her dreams in Xinjiang when she won the ladies' slalom gold on Saturday.

"I've no regrets anymore. I've tried my best," said Xia.

Kong Fanying, 20, also won two gold medals - giant slalom and combined.

The men's giant slalom title went to Zhang Xiaosong, a 19-year-old skier from northeastern Heilongjiang.

The alpine skiing events finished on Saturday. Endit