Winter Olympics: China’s former child actor Su Yiming ‘fulfils a dream’ after scene-stealing performance in men’s snowboard slopestyle
- The 17-year-old sensation records an impressive 86.80 points on his first run to qualify for the 12-man finals in first place ahead of his hero Mark McMorris
- Su hailed ‘my motherland’ before his two runs as fans heaped praise on the young talent in his quest for gold
Chinese teen sensation Su Yiming said he fulfilled a dream at the Beijing Olympics after a stunning opening run in the men’s snowboarding slopestyle event on Sunday, putting him top of the standings and favourite for gold.
The 17-year-old Olympic debutant recorded a spectacular 86.80 points on his first run, going past his childhood hero, Canada’s Mark McMorris, who recovered from a relatively weak opening effort to score 83.30 on his second run.
Su and McMorris are among 12 snowboarders who advanced to Monday’s finals, with the Chinese athlete – a former child actor – in prime position to take the gold medal.
“I have fulfilled my dream,” Su was quoted as saying by Chinese media on Sunday. Before competing, the teen star who has gained an army of female fans, posted a stirring message on his Weibo account praising “my motherland”.
“I am about to stand on the starting platform for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Thanks to my motherland and everyone for their support. I will fully enjoy this,” he wrote.
