Ultra runner Chen takes up Olympic ski challenge

China's bid to enlarge its 2022 Winter Olympics squad by siphoning athletes from non-ice-and-snow spheres isn't limited to ambitious young guns.

The strategy is also proving alluring for veterans, with celebrated ultra runner Chen Penbin living up to his reputation for the extreme by training to become a cross-country skier. "I achieved a lot as an ultra marathon runner, but now I have to start from scratch again," said the 40-year-old Chen, known to his friends as "The Madman."

"For me, life is made of challenges. More importantly, it's a chance to win honor for my country. It's about wearing the national flag on my chest."