Gu Ailing, Su Yiming show musical talents at China Ice and Snow Night Gala

BEIJING - Gu Ailing is well known as an Olympic champion. So is Su Yiming. But they showed their talents beyond sports on Saturday at the China Ice and Snow Night Gala, an event held to pay tribute to the people who contributed to the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Gu put on a show by playing renowned French pianist Richard Claydermans's Souvenirs d'enfance on the piano.

"Skiing is the source of most of my confidence," said the 18-year-old.

"At eight years old, when I began to learn skiing, I was the only girl in the team. I found friendship and confidence through skiing. My goal is letting more Chinese teenagers step out of their comfort zones and become better people through sports," she added.

Gu, who became the first freestyle skier to win three medals at a single Winter Olympics, caused a huge sensation at Beijing 2022, and is said to have inspired millions of young people to take up skiing.