Last-place finish an achievement for amateur skater Li at National Winter Games

For most athletes who participate in the Chinese National Winter Games, a last-place finish may be disappointing, but amateur speed skater Li Xiang believes he has much to celebrate.

The 14-year-old middle-school student, who represented Xilin Gol city of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at the 13th National Winter Games, clocked a combined time of one minute 33.52 seconds (45.96/47.56) in the men's 500m speed skating on Sunday to rank 27th among the 28 competitors. Guo Qiang, a serious medal contender, finished the last place after he fell accidentally in his second skate.

"I've delivered the best of myself today. Before the competition started, my coach predicted my time to be between 48 and 50 seconds," said Li.

Li's coach Wu Hairui was also satisfied. "He has improved his personal best by more than six seconds."

Li was introduced to skating in 2006 when he was just five. For years he could only practice skating skills on a lake ice during the winter season when the temperatures often drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius. In summer days, Li keeps training by roller skating exercises.

"Considering the harsh training conditions, for Li, making appearance at the National Winter Games itself is a big achievement," said Wu.

Li said the National Winter Games has offered him a precious opportunity to learn from the other speed skaters.

"I will analyze the moves of my competitors so as to improve my techniques," he said. "Hopefully, I can skate as fast as they can one day."

Li will be heading back home on Monday. He said he would cherish the memory of competing in Xinjiang.

"The feeling is so great to skate at this beautiful rink. I will miss the rink," said Li. Endit