On October 23, 2023, Li Jianrou, the gold medalist in the women’s 500-meter short track speed skating at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, visited People’s Primary School in Chongqing College Town to conduct a “Champion’s Sports Class.” This event was part of a series of campus activities under the theme “Chinese Sports Spirit Lecture Hall.”

During her visit to this exemplary school known for its strong performance in promoting ice and snow sports, Li shared her journey of chasing dreams in the world of winter sports, inspiring students to stay resolute, push forward, embrace challenges, and boldly pursue their aspirations.

Speaking to an audience of over 600 students and faculty, Li recounted her training experiences and the stories behind her achievements, including what it took to earn her “Grand Slam” titles. She shared personal anecdotes from her earlier athletic career, highlighting moments when she almost fell behind and how she now encourages perseverance in her current team members, like a determined young athlete she affectionately referred to as the “little chubby one.” Through her relatable storytelling, Li illuminated the essence of the Chinese sports spirit. Her key messages—”Sport can change your destiny,” “Opportunities favor the prepared,” and “A steadfast goal leads to extraordinary accomplishments”—resonated deeply with the students.

In addition to her talk, Li also led a training session with the school’s roller skiing team. On the school’s rubber track, she provided hands-on guidance and offered a unique, engaging exercise class focused on winter sports. Li encouraged students to build a solid foundation and cultivate their interest and passion for the sport. She pledged to continue offering her support in future training sessions and expressed her intention to connect with exceptional students at Northeast Normal University and high-level national competitions.

The Chongqing event was organized by the Publicity Department of the General Administration of Sport of China, contracted by China Sports Media Co., Ltd., and supported by the Chongqing Sports Bureau, with collaborative assistance from China Sports Daily, New Sports Network, and the People’s Primary School in Chongqing College Town.