Shan Zhaojian is an early skiing champion in China. [Photo by Xu Chang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

In his childhood, Shan Zhaojian, now 83, spent most of his winters on the snow, wearing various objects on his feet, from broken iron basins to snowshoes made of straw.

When he moved up to cross-country skis, he became a national champion, winning three gold medals in China's first National Ski Games in Tonghua, Jilin province, in 1957 — in the 5-kilometer cross-country event, 10-km cross-country and ski relay.

In the seven decades since, Shan has maintained his enthusiasm for ice and snow sports.

"Even after half a century I vividly remember the moment I stood on that podium," he said. "I was proud of the achievement after years of hard work."

Shan Zhaojian [Photo by Xu Chang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Shan was born in Tonghua, a city known for its rich ice and snow resources, including a long history of skiing. In 1954, China had begun to promote winter sports in its northeastern regions, and Tonghua established its first cross-country ski team. Shan became part of the first group at age 16.

"Conditions were really tough at that time," he said. "We didn't have good equipment. We had to make skis out of wood by ourselves. But I always had the confidence to perform well."

From 1957 to 1960, Shan won 10 medals in different national competitions, including five golds.

Because of injuries, he retired from skiing at age 24, but he stayed close to the winter sport he loved. Over the years, he has served as a ski coach, secretary-general of Chinese Ski Association and head of the Chinese ski team, branching out to all aspects of skiing, including downhill racing. He took it as his mission to cultivate winter sports among as many people and in as many places as he could.

Shan Zhaojian is named honorary dean of the College of Ice and Snow Industry at the Jilin Institute of Physical Education in Changchun, Jilin province, in October. [Photo by Xu Chang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

In 1995, Shan visited the Chongli district of Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, looking for a place where skiing activities could be held — especially racing. His visit changed the fate of Chongli.

"The topography of Chongli is good for skiing. Its large forest area also contributes to a good ecological environment," he said. "Plus, it is close to Beijing, with an expressway linking the two places."

Over the years, Chongli built several ski resorts and was chosen as a major venue for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After his retirement in 1998, Shan spent time researching the history and culture of skiing, as well as giving public speeches and promoting activities involving ice and snow on school campuses across the country.

On Oct 25, he was named honorary dean of the the College of Ice and Snow Industry at the Jilin Institute of Physical Education.

"I hope to see more people participate in ice and snow sports," he said, noting the boost in enthusiasm provided by the Winter Games. "I also hope to see the blossoming of various sectors of China's ice and snow industry."

Randy Wright contributed to this story.

Shan Zhaojian (third from right) wins three medals at China's first National Ski Games in Tonghua, Jilin province, in 1957. [Photo by Xu Chang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Shan Zhaojian [Photo by Xu Chang/For chinadaily.com.cn]