Saudi Arabia's first Winter Olympian, Fayik Abdi, just made history again at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli. The alpine skier chatted with CGTN Sports Scene about his snowy adventures in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province – and why this experience felt like a scene from a feel-good sports movie 🎿🍿.
From Desert Sands to Snowy Slopes ❄️
Abdi, who previously competed at Beijing 2022, told reporters: 'It took some time to get used to Yabuli, but the energy here is amazing! Plus, having my teammates here makes it feel like home.' Saudi Arabia sent its largest winter sports contingent ever, including women's slalom athletes and a full men's curling team making their Harbin debut 🥌.
Building a Winter Sports Legacy 🏔️
With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, Abdi's eyes light up: 'Every race I finish plants seeds for future Saudi skiers. Imagine seeing our mountains filled with winter sports enthusiasts!' The trailblazer didn't medal this time, but his real victory? Paving the way for a desert nation's icy ambitions 🌟.
Olympic Dreams Alive 🏅
Despite Yabuli's setbacks, Abdi's training for Milan-Cortina 2026 intensifies: 'I'm coming back stronger – this is just the beginning!' His journey proves winter sports aren't just about medals, but about rewriting what's possible 🔥.
