EQUALLY SPLENDID

tepping onto the highest Paralympic podium has been a dream cherished by Chinese standing skier Zhang Mengqiu, despite not learning to ski until she was 14.

Zhang is not a quick learner. Being diagnosed with cerebral palsy in childhood, she suffers from impaired motor function. It usually takes her two or three times longer than her able-bodied peers to master new skills. But the intense training regimen has paid off. The 20-year-old has blossomed into one of the top para skiers in the world.

Prior to the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, Zhang had already pocketed six gold medals in international competitions, including at the World Para Alpine Skiing World Cups. She is competing in the slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom and super combined at the Games.

China has just delivered a wonderful Olympic Winter Games, and it has pledged to host an equally splendid