Xi urges athletes to strive hard for nation

President Xi Jinping urged Chinese winter sports athletes on Feb 24 to strive for “a splendid life” and devote their youth and strength to the country and the people.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark in reply to a letter from Chinese snowboarder Su Yiming.

Xi congratulated Su and other Chinese athletes who participated in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics on their outstanding achievements at the Games.

The new era helps dreamers, particularly young people, to realize their dreams, Xi said.

Su wrote to Xi, saying he was born in a great country and grew up in the best era.

Su, 18, won a gold medal in the men’s snowboard Big Air and a silver medal in men’s snowboard slopestyle at the Games.