Su savors China's inspiration exchange

Those feelings of respect and admiration are mutual. After watching Ji's message during an exclusive interview with China Daily, Su remarked: "I followed the action at the Beijing Winter Paralympics after I finished my competitions, and I hold Paralympians in the highest regard. Olympic snowboarders have many difficulties to overcome－but their Paralympic counterparts have a lot more challenges to face.

"With such huge difficulties, they keep pursuing their passion. Such spirit is a huge inspiration to me. I want to express my best wishes to all the Paralympians hoping they can achieve more in their careers."

Chinese para ice hockey player Wang Zhidong, who was one of Team China's flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Paralympics, is also a huge fan of Su's.

Wang's team claimed an unexpected bronze medal at the Games in March as one of the host nation's most significant breakthroughs.

With the squad only established five years ago, China's para ice hockey players muscled their way onto the podium with five victories in a tournament usually dominated by Western teams.

"My teammates and I all watched your competitions, and you are our role model. Your positivity, determination to make breakthroughs and desire to win honor for our nation inspired us," Wang told Su via video message.