'This kid never gives up!'

Persistence and patience pay for golden girl Zhang Mengqiu

Zhang Mengqiu admits she was a slow learner when she first hit the slopes six years ago. Her determination and persistence to succeed, however, paid off at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games on Saturday.

Zhang won China's first gold medal in para Alpine skiing by winning the women's Super-G standing at the National Alpine Skiing Centre on Sunday. France's Marie Bochet claimed silver, with Alana Ramsay of Canada taking bronze.

Zhang has already bagged two medals at the Beijing Winter Paralympics, after winning silver on Saturday in the downhill standing.

"I'm so excited and so happy," said Zhang, who will turn 20 on Wednesday.

Zhang faced stiff competition from Bochet and Ramsay, and the Chinese skier admitted that she was nervous after seeing her rivals' times.

"I kept a close eye on them, and yes, I skied under pressure," she said.

"But I think winning the silver medal really boosted my confidence for future races."

Zhang, who has motor dysfunction as a result of cerebral palsy, was introduced to Alpine skiing in 2016 and selected to the national team a year later. Because of her physical disadvantage, Zhang's reaction speed is slightly slower than others and needs to put in extra hours in practice to master the sport's skills.

"This kid never says die or gives up during practice and competitions," said Zhang's coach, Xie Anhui. "She has that type of personality that believes success will eventually come one day."