Li is still a trainer of champions
Updated: 2007-11-22 09:48
As she got older, Chen's trophy cabinet filled up. In 1990 and 1992, Chen claimed bronze medals at the Junior World Championships, with two additional bronzes at the adults' world championships in 1992 and 1993.
Then at the Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games in 1994, Chen brought back China's first Olympic figure-skating medal, a bronze. In 1995, Chen finally reached the top, grabbing gold at the Birmingham World Championships, China's first-ever world figure-skating title.
"Chen is my greatest achievement and I enjoyed the process of working together, although it was difficult," Li recalled with tears in her eyes. "We are the exploiters of China's figure skating. I will treasure that memory forever."
After she concluded her 15-year partnership with Chen, Li moved to the US in 1997.
"When I finished coaching Chen, I realized it was the time for me to change, to give myself a period of time to conclude and calm down," Li said. "I also had to join my family, so I decided to move to the US."
The title of "world champion coach" attracted many skaters in the US, who came in droves to train with her everyday. Scheduling so many students was especially difficult for Li.
"At the very beginning, it took time for me to adapt myself to the new training way in the US," said Li. "I had to learn how to handle an entire class within 20 or 30 minutes, which was just enough for warming-up while coaching the Chinese national team. But I got accustomed to the new environment quickly, and I was happy to work with those young skaters every day."
Caroline Zhang, one of the young American skaters who may follow in Chen's steps, is a rising star in the US.
"Zhang has the potential to be a world champion, although she is still young right now," said Li, who began working with Zhang four years ago. "For the coach and athletes, the final goal should be participating in the Olympic Games. We will work step by step in daily training to approach that goal."
Li still keeps her eye on figure skating in China and wishes to help out young coaches who are hoping to make it big.
"Most of the young coaches and local team coaches in China have little contact with world's advanced training concept and methods, so if possible, I'm glad to be the bridge between them," said Li, who used to hold lectures for Chinese coaches years ago. "I would like to share my experience with them and do as much as possible for China's figure skating."
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