The Italian-born Beijing Winter Olympics Thailand team player wants to go skiing in Xinjiang!

　　[Global Times-Global Network Reporter Xing Xiaotong Wan Lin] "I want to go skiing in Xinjiang!" On the 2nd, Mark Chanloung, a skier representing Thailand in the Beijing Winter Olympics, said in a video interview with the Global Times reporter: "I usually train in Europe, and skiing in Xinjiang can personally feel the difference with Europe. This will be a great experience!"

　　Altay, Xinjiang, the birthplace of human skiing, has become a skiing paradise by virtue of its unique advantages such as long snow season, high snow quality, sufficient snow volume and wide snow area. Mark Zhanlong told the Global Times reporter that he was glad that China had such excellent skiing conditions, and he would like to go to Xinjiang for a slide if he had the chance.

　　The picture shows Thai skier Mark Zhanlong. The picture comes from the network.

　　It is reported that the Thai delegation, including four athletes, stayed in Beijing Winter Olympic Village on January 29th. The four athletes are male cross-country skier Mark Chanloung, female cross-country skier Karen Chanloung, male alpine skier Nicola Zanon and female alpine skier Mida Jaiman.

　　It is worth mentioning that Karen Zhanlong, a female cross-country skier, is the younger sister of Mark Zhanlong. She will be the flag bearer of the Thai delegation at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Mark Zhan Long will be the first player of the Thai delegation in this Winter Olympics, and plans to participate in the cross-country skiing men’s double chase (15 km traditional technology +15 km free technology) held on the 6 th. The two brothers and sisters also participated in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018 on behalf of the Thai team, and their parents have been accompanying their brothers and sisters to participate in the competition.

　　"I feel good. I think I can make a good start for the Thai team in the game on the 6 th." Mark Zhanlong said in an interview with the Global Times reporter, "I am very happy to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. The accommodation and food conditions here are also good." Mark’s excitement was beyond words. On the day he stayed in the Winter Olympics Village, he couldn’t wait to try out his equipment at the cross-country ski resort, and posted photos on the "Instagram" with the caption "Let’s start the Olympic adventure" (as shown below).

　　Mark told the Global Times reporter that he had participated in competitions in Tianjin and Hangzhou before the outbreak in December 2019, and it was the first time to come to Beijing. Up to now, his experience in Beijing is good, and entering the closed loop has not affected his daily training. Although he is not so free, safety is more important now.

　　Mark and his sister Karen are Thai-Italian hybrids. They were born in a small village in northwest Italy. They started skiing at an early age and were selected for the Italian national team. "When it comes to ice and snow sports, people usually don’t think of Thailand. Thailand is neither snowy nor cold, and it is indeed difficult to develop winter sports. " Mark told the Global Times that despite this, the level of ice and snow sports in Thailand has improved. In 2016, in order to help Thailand develop ice and snow sports and for better personal development, Mark and his brother officially joined the Thai national team, and in 2018, they represented the Thai team in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

　　Mark recalled that there were only two years left before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and their brother and sister changed coaches and everything had to be readjusted. This time, in order to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, he and his sister prepared for four years. "I am fully prepared and confident to get good results in the competition." Mark expressed his expectation for the Beijing Winter Olympics to the Global Times reporter. He also said that the Beijing Winter Olympics also provided opportunities for skiers all over the world to communicate.

　　The Beijing Winter Olympics has promoted the further development of ice and snow sports in China. Mark once met a team from China in New Zealand, and the two sides trained together for some time. He said, "I have seen the growth of many athletes in China, and I am very happy to see more countries joining the ranks of ice and snow sports.". In Mark’s view, China has excellent conditions and opportunities to develop ice and snow sports.

　　The picture shows Mark Zhanlong being interviewed by the Global Times reporter.

　　For young people who are keen on ice and snow sports, Mark said that it is inevitable to encounter some difficulties when they are beginners, and it will become easier and easier as long as they persist. Moreover, once you master this sport, you will enjoy it, so "don’t give up"!

　　Usually, while training, Mark is also studying physical education in a university in Milan. He told the Global Times reporter that after the Beijing Olympics, he would go back to school to participate in the defense before graduation and prepare for the next competition. In addition, Rimak Zhan Long will celebrate his 27th birthday in Beijing Winter Olympic Village on February 9th. He said that there will be competitions around his birthday, and he may only celebrate with his family.