Li Qishi signs an autograph for a primary school student. [Photo/Cailian News]

A sharing session centered on the spirit of ice and snow sports was held in Changchun on April 18 to celebrate the upcoming Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade and to inspire the city's younger generation.

The event featured Li Qishi, a world and Asian champion in speed skating, who spoke to more than 30 students and parents about her journey and her approach to education. Now a teacher at the School of Physical Education of Northeast Normal University, Li has dedicated herself to youth development in winter sports since retiring from competition, combining professional training with educational principles.

Drawing on her own experience, Li recounted her path from a determined child chasing dreams to standing on the world stage. She spoke of rushing to the rink after school to make the most of every minute, enduring injuries without anesthesia, and overcoming the challenge of switching from short track to speed skating. Through intense training, setbacks, coaching changes, and periods of decline, she held firmly to her belief in perseverance.

Li poses for a group photo with students at the event. [Photo/Cailian News]

She also shared powerful moments from her career, including competing while ill to win a World Cup bronze medal and organizing her own team to prepare for national competitions, earning multiple medals. Her stories reflected the resilience and determination of Chinese winter sports athletes.

Reflecting on her life after retirement, Li said sport transformed her path, and she now hopes to pass that passion on. She launched the World Champion on Campus Initiative, reaching nearly 30 schools in Changchun and inspiring tens of thousands of students to experience ice sports. The Qishi Ice and Snow Sports Club, named after her, has also been established to support youth training and engagement.