Figure skater Zhang Dan: The Olympic spirit makes us braver, stronger and more composed

In 2026, the Olympic flame was once again lit in Italy, marking the Winter Games' return to the country after 20 years. In the two decades since Turin 2006, the marks left on the ice have long been covered by new legends. Yet the stories of those Winter Games live on.

From competing at the Olympics 20 years ago to coaching her daughter in spins and jumps today, Zhang Dan, a former Chinese pairs figure skater, has always been deeply connected to the sport of figure skating. She is a multi-time world champion and claimed a silver medal in the figure skating Pairs Free Skating at the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics with her partner Zhang Hao.

After retiring from competition, Zhang founded a youth figure skating training academy and starred in China's first original ice dance drama. Her daughter, Qiqi, has inherited her mother's talent and is now taking up the sport. As a coach, Zhang hopes Qiqi can achieve her best results; as a mother, she wants her daughter to become more resilient and brave through figure skating.

Zhang said that the Olympic spirit has long been woven into every aspect of her life. For her, what matters more than outperforming opponents is surpassing one's former self.

"We have striven tirelessly for our dreams, and the Olympic spirit empowers us to be braver, stronger and more composed in the long journey of life," she said.