CHANGCHUN, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- American-born figure skater Lin Shan (Ashley Lin), who was been naturalized earlier the year, has already set her eyes on the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games and said an Olympic medal is her biggest dream.
Lin, 16, was born in Dallas. "My parents came to the United States from Shanghai," she said. "They both work in computer companies."
"I am very grateful that they encouraged me to skate and always support my dream," she added. "My biggest dream is to win a medal at the Olympic Games. And I am so happy that I can skate for China."
Lin showed her talent at the Nationals. Despite a big mistake in the short program, she still stood on the podium with a bronze in 171.99 points. 12-year-old An Xiangyi won the gold medal with 197.93, while Chen Hongyi was second in 176.26.
"I performed with all my heart," said Lin, who had taken a bronze at the Junior All-American Figure Skating Championships. "It's not as good as my training, but I tried my best."
Lin had also taken a fifth finish at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix.
"Lin is a powerful skater," said former figure skating world champion Chen Lu, "Her jumps are strong and her skating style is international, which are her advantages."
Chen didn't care about Lin's result at the Nationals as she put all her focus on the Olympic Games.
"Her best time is not now," said Chen. "The golden age for women figure skaters are 19 to 20, so Lin will be on her best at the Olympic Games."
"She needs to improve her skills and better her details, and the most important, she must make a breakthrough in her difficulty degree," Chen added.
