By Huang Shan and Xiang Bin
China.org.cn staff reporters in Harbin

Cody Logan Alexander

For snowboarders gathering at the Maoershan Ski Resort southeast of Harbin, the capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and site of the 24th Winter Universiade, it's more like a big party than a competition.

More than 50 snowboarders took part in the snowboarding SBX event that kicked off on Friday morning. Although the cold weather and relatively long trip from the city scared away many potential spectators, the participants seemed to enjoy themselves regardless.

Scattered along the finish line, they chatted together, sharing opinions on their skills and on the difficulties on the course. Occasionally they practiced or helped each other to improve their movements, making the day as much a gathering for snowboarding fans to show off as a competitive event.

Tomas Delfino

But there were still some who cared about their results. "I think my performance (on the first run) today was just ok," shrugged Cody Logan Alexander from New Zealand. "I had a problem at the half way point." The Kiwi seemed disappointed as his goal was to qualify for the final and rank in the top eight.

Tomas Delfino from France was obviously enjoying the course more. "I did great!" he said with excitement. "I came here to win the gold medal. I want to be first!" said the Frenchman, pumping both of his fists in the air.

Delfino also said he liked the "perfect" ski course very much. "Faguo Wansui (Long live France)!" he shouted in Chinese. "I just arrived in Harbin on Tuesday and already I know how to speak Chinese!"

The 32 fastest qualifiers will proceed to the final, scheduled for Saturday morning.

(China.org.cn, February 20, 2009)