1 . They are drawing the attention of the world. They bear the responsibility to shape our future. Who are they? They are the young generation who were born after 2000.
This year, several young athletes have shone brightly at the Beijing Winter Olympics, giving the public a glimpse of their generation’s nature.
Obviously, the young generation is filled with “brave warriors” who want to challenge impossibilities and push boundaries. Freestyle skier Gu Ailing is a good example. After she finished strong in the first two jumps in the women’s freeski big air event, it was certain that she could get a medal. But instead of playing it safe, the 18-year-old skier pushed herself to the limit. On the last jump, Gu decided to attempt a difficult trick: a left double cork 1620—four and a half rotations in the air—before landing.
“I have never done the ‘left 16’ before,” Gu told China Daily, “but I felt it was a chance to push myself to the limit.”
For the young athletes, the sport is never just about scores, but also about having as much fun as possible.
Born in the US, Gu faced criticism and doubts for representing China in the Beijing Winter Olympics. When questioned by The Guardian at a news conference on Feb. 8, the “post-00” said boldly that she wasn’t trying to make everyone happy. “I’m an 18-year-old girl out here living my best life. I’m having a great time,’’ Gu said. “It doesn’t really matter if other people are happy or not, because I feel I’m doing my best and I’m enjoying the entire process.”
Gu’s good friend, Chinese snowboarder Su Yiming also shares a similar attitude. He takes sports as a way to have fun.
After he was judged to have lost the gold to Canadian athlete Max Parrot in the men’s slope-style final, the 17-year-old didn’t feel upset. Instead, he was happy to have the chance to compete with his idol.
“When I was on the podium hugging Max Parrot, it felt unreal,” Su told China Daily. “All I did today was enjoying the runs and concentrating on my tricks. As long as I am on my snowboard I am happy.”
This is young generation that dares to push the limits but also enjoys life.
1. Why did Gu Ailing attempt a more difficult trick in the last jump?| A．To win a gold medal. | B．To inspire the “post-00”. |
| C．To challenge her potential. | D．To have fun in the process. |
| A．They don’t care what others think. |
| B．Sport is to push one to the limit and have fun. |
| C．They compete for medals to the best of their ability. |
| D．They are extremely accustomed to challenging difficult tricks. |
| A．Gu’s last jump has proved “practice makes perfect”. |
| B．Su lost his gold medal due to his poor performance. |
| C．Gu Ailing was criticized because she couldn’t make everyone happy. |
| D．The new understanding of sports from the “post-00”appeals to the public. |
| A．Just Have Fun in Sports | B．Gold Medals Don’t Matter |
| C．Winning Big in Life And Sports | D．Gu&.Su— Idols of the “Post-00” |
