Fan Suyuan (center left) and Ling Zhi (center right) both of China, stand with Christopher Plys (1st left) and Victoria Persinger(1st right) both of the United States, pose for a photograph after the mixed doubles curling match, at the Beijing Winter Olympics, Feb 5, 2022, in Beijing. (BRYNN ANDERSON / AP)
Just a week into Beijing 2022, the feel-good moments are already piling up. On sport's biggest stage of all, rivals, teammates and volunteers have been feeling the love to embrace the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
The exchange of goodwill gestures between two pairs of American and Chinese curlers exemplified the friendly atmosphere
The exchange of goodwill gestures between two pairs of American and Chinese curlers exemplified the friendly atmosphere.
After the United States beat China 7-5 in the mixed doubles on Saturday, Fan Suyuan and Ling Zhi presented their American rivals, Christopher Plys and Vicky Persinger, with a set of commemorative pins featuring Games mascot Bing Dwen Dwen.
"They're just beautiful, something super unique. These will be on my desk for a very, very long time," Plys said.
The four competitors posed for the cameras together while showing off the pin sets. The American duo then posted the photos on social media, saying they were "honored to receive these beautiful Beijing 2022 pin sets in a wonderful display of sportsmanship by our Chinese counterparts".
In return, the American curlers gave pins to Ling and Fan, but they wanted to add "something special "for their newfound friends. "We still have to go back to the (Olympic) Village and find something, a good jersey, or put something together," Plys said on Monday.
Ling said he would like to invite Plys to his hometown of Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, a city boasting a long history of ice and snow sports. Plys once competed at a tournament in Harbin.
"Chris told me he likes Harbin. He mentioned the Harbin Ice and Snow World. I sincerely welcome him to travel to Harbin when the pandemic is over," Ling said.
Warmest welcome
Teenage American snowboarder Tessa Maud felt the friendly vibes the moment she walked into the National Stadium, aka the Bird's Nest, during Friday's grand opening ceremony.
As the 18-year-old and her teammates entered the arena, volunteers greeted them with open arms. One volunteer, Sun Zeyu from Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University, responded to a "Ni hao! (hello!) from Maud with: "Welcome to China!"
Maud posted a vlog on Tiktok in which she talked about how she kept watching videos of the opening ceremony.
"I was crying because it was the cutest thing ever, and that moment was just so crazy, like a feeling I've never experienced," she said.
"All the volunteers were so sweet and so kind. They are so happy we are here, and we feel so welcomed," she continued in a choked voice.
Maud later received a letter from Sun, who thanked Maud for her kindness and for helping "record the most unforgettable moment" of his life.
"When COVID-19 is completely over, I sincerely invite you to come here again, no quarantine, no virus, you may find a more interesting and more beautiful China!" Sun wrote on social media.
"I can be your tour guide, and tell you 'Welcome to China' again without a face mask."
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China's Su Yiming poses with fellow slopestyle medalists Max Parrot and Mark McMorris on Feb 7. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)
Hero worship
The convivial atmosphere has also been in evidence in the snowboard competition. After winning the silver medal in the men's slopestyle on Monday, China's Su Yiming hugged champion Max Parrott and bronze-medal winner Mark McMorris, before the three posed for a group photograph, hands on each other's shoulders.
In an interview with Xinhua, the 17-year-old Su saluted his two rivals, both of Canada, describing them as his idols and heroes.
When reporters relayed Su's words to McMorris, the three-time Olympian responded: "It's amazing to be an idol of someone really special.
"When I started snowboarding for a living, he (Su) was just 5 years old. That's pretty crazy," said the 28-year-old, who also won bronze at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.
Considered a living legend of snowboarding, McMorris has won respect from many younger peers like Su, not only because he is the first rider to have executed a triple backflip 1440, but also because of the resolve and persistence he has shown throughout his career.
What still stands out in Su's mind is how McMorris competed at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics only 11 months after sustaining a near-fatal injury.
"He is a god-like figure in snowboarding," said Su.
Over the past decade, McMorris has been a frequent visitor to China, for competitions and snowboard promotions, and has witnessed the sport become "really big" in the world's most populous nation.
In fact, McMorris and Su's friendship dates back more than a decade when they first met at a snowboard promotion in 2010.
"I actually have known Su for quite a long time since he was like this big," recalled McMorris, putting his fingers to his waist. "I saw Su and he's just so deeply in love with snowboarding that it shows in his riding, and he's so motivated to progress.
"I've been a pro for close to 15 years, and to be able to still be here and then compete with him, going blow for blow, that is pretty special.
"Su is a true snowboarder. I will say he has a bright future and I am proud of him."
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Big Air buddies
Tuesday's women's freeski Big Air final also witnessed a great moment of friendship and respect.
Team China sensation Gu Ailing grabbed the title from France's Tess Ledeux with her last jump. Ledeux had set the benchmark of 94.5 points on her first run but failed to improve on her final score with a flaw on the landing during her last attempt.
Just moments after Ledeux finished her competition, Gu and Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud, the bronze medalist, came together to console Ledeux, who lost her father last year.
"We are going through the emotions at the end," said Gu. "I won because of them, because they had inspired me so much and made me who I am. I just wanted to express my gratitude. We are all out here to do this together."
"Lots of respect between these girls," said Gremaud. "Ailing and Tess are really strong and motivating. They are pushing me and I hope to be pushing them."
As enthralling as the athletic performances are, it's perhaps the sportsmanship and goodwill that these Games will be best remembered for.
