In 2018, Su Yiming, a 14-year-old native of north easter China, was faced with a difficult decision: Pursue a promising career as an actor, or cast it aside and go all in on snowboarding, in a country where most people had never seen a snowboard. At the time, Su was fast becoming an established name in China’s film industry. He had starred as a village boy seeking revenge for his father’s death in a critically acclaimed war movie, and appeared in several more television dramas.
But with the 2022 Winter Olympics approaching, the teenager saw an opportunity. “Snowboarding was something I enjoyed the most, and this was a chance to take part in my own home country,” said Su, then 17. Su’s gamble (冒险) paid off. Three days short of his 18th birthday, Su took gold in the big air snowboarding event, writing history for the Olympic host nation by winning the country’s first gold medal in the event. “It’s my happiest moment when I stand on the snowboard. No matter how long I train, even for seven or eight hours in a row, joy to me. Love is what has been supporting me all the time.” Su said.
“I had always dreamed about what it would be like to stand on the podium (领奖台) of the Olympics, and today, I did it,” Su said. Together with the freestyle skier Gu Ailing, who is one year his senior, Su is among the most popular athletes for the Olympic host nation.
In an interview with media, Su’s father said his son always had an affinity with snow, a connection that began the day his son was born in February 2004. “There was a heavy snowstorm that day. Cars couldn’t move on the streets,” the father recalled. Sus father said his son loved snowboarding so much that, even in elementary school, the younger Su would set aside three days a week to train.
4. What do we know about Su Yiming?
A.He used to be a famous child actor. | B.He had a miserable childhood. |
C.He took gold on his eighteenth birthday. | D.He is senior to Gu Ailing by one year. |
5. Which of the following best describes Su Yiming?
A.Smart and sensitive | B.Diligent and honest |
C.Enthusiastic and determined | D.Adventurous and stubborn |
6. What can we infer from Su’s father’s words?
A.Su was born to be associated with snow. |
B.Su was caught in a snowstorm when he was born. |
C.Su trained four days a week in elementary school. |
D.Su was influenced by his father’s connection with snow. |
7. What lesson can we get from Su’s story?
A.Rome is not built in a day. |
B.Constant dripping wears away a stone. |
C.Nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it. |
D.Passion and desire can pave the way for dream realization. |