Xinjiang skier has slopes stardom in his sights

The progress of Aybek and his friends has also attracted attention from professionals.

Jilin province, renowned for its extensive winter sports culture, has leveraged its strengths to collaborate with Altay in supporting Xinjiang. The province continuously sends national-level coaches to assist in local talent development every year.

Earlier this year, national cross-country skiing champion Lin Guanghao visited Altay to demonstrate technical skills and offer training advice to locals.

Aybek trained four hours every day alongside Lin.

"Techniques are constantly evolving. I hope to enhance the professionalism of local coaches and athletes through my efforts," Lin said.

The right sporting philosophy also plays a pivotal role.

Li Yanhu, an expert in sports and health research, gave a lecture titled "Spinal Health and Sports" to young people in a sports community activity held in Burqin.

Li said that coaches and children need to grasp scientific sports and protection methods to better develop themselves. "Winter sports are both intense and risky, and some even challenge their own limits. Therefore, learning how to protect themselves is essential," Li said.

During the Beijing Winter Olympics, Aybek closely followed the cross-country skiing competitions on TV every day. He views Dinigeer Yilamujiang, a skier from Altay who was one of the two torchbearers at the Games' opening ceremony, as his role model and hopes to represent China at the Olympics someday.

Aybek has gained a clearer understanding of his path to pursuing his dreams.

"Physical health comes first. By maintaining good health and adhering to scientific training, I believe that one day, I will achieve my dream," he said.

Xinhua