JILIN, Northeast China - Chinese freestyle skiing men's aerials Olympic champion Han Xiaopeng has considered retiring after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Han Xiaopeng of China celebrates during the final of the men's aerials freestyle competition at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, February 23, 2006. [Reuters]

"I may retire after the Vancouver Games," Han told Xinhua on Monday, three days before the men's aerials competition of the sixth Asian Winter Games.

"Aerials athletes can have a long career, because it is a sport that requires more skills than physical strength. However, it is also a very dangerous sport. It's very easy to get injured," Han added. "I think I will not do it too long."

"I have suffered various injuries since I began to take part in the sport more than ten years ago. My heart is still fluttering with fear when I recall some accidents that I went through," said the 23-year-old Liaoning native.

Having sustained minor injuries to his knee and ankle in recent international competitions, Han could not try his best in the preparation for the Asian Winter Games.

"I am still in recuperation," Han said. "But there is one thing good that I have more time enjoying music and coffee now. Tell you a secret, I fall in love with coffee. I really like its mellow taste."

Han had been unknown to public before winning China its first ever Winter Olympic gold medal in snow sports in the freestyle skiing men's aerials of the Torino Winter Games. Less than one year later, he is the hot favorite to win the same event at the Winter Asiad.

"If we can perform to our standard, I think we will have a big chance to win," Han said.

"This Asian Winter Games is a good opportunity for us to accumulate experiences. Our target is to defend the title at Vancouver," Han said.