Role models

Last year's Beijing Winter Olympics were an inspiration for Zhou, in particular the performances of teenage sensation Su Yiming, who won China's first Olympic gold in the men's snowboard Big Air, as well as a slope-style silver.

"I just loved the energy at the Beijing Winter Olympics, and I love how it showed how great China is. The highlight for me was when Su Yiming won gold," recalled Zhou, who watched the action on TV.

"I was shocked. He (Su Yiming) was so young to win the Olympic gold. He was only 18. And he's like, when you watch, you can't forget his techniques. I worship him. He is awesome! I met him once. I ate dinner with him, which is pretty cool."

Another big role model for Zhou is her father. According to Zhou, her parents sold their house to fund her training, and now one of her motivations is to "win the house back".

"My dad taught me a lot. He always told me everybody has 24 hours a day, and everybody has legs and arms, and there's not a big difference between us. We just need what we can do with it," said Zhou.

"I remember during my first training season, on the first day, my dad broke his ankle. Even though it was swollen like this big, he still didn't want me to stop training because of him. He still rode with me every single day. He couldn't even walk by himself.

"I can't imagine how much it hurt when he was riding with me. So I'm just really grateful for my dad, who keeps following me and keeps helping me progress.

"I just love my dad, I just love him teaching me. He gives me the power. He is like my role model. He is such a resilient person. I want to be as resilient and as determined as him. Thank you, dad!"

Her parents also help in striking the right balance between study time and time on the slopes, where Zhou trains three to four hours a day, not to mention work in the gym.

"I use school time as training time, so I need to sacrifice my free time for study time. I'm very busy, but I just like a busy life. I like keeping my mind smart and fast," the youngster added.

Apart from snowboarding, Zhou also enjoys boxing, jujitsu and surfing. She believes these sports can improve her reflexes and stamina — all useful attributes in pursuing her dreams on the slopes.

"My ultimate snowboard dream is to be able to travel around the world with my snowboard and surfboard and meet all the great people," said Zhou.

shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn