Student loves following in her mom's footsteps

A short video depicting a "dance battle" between volunteer Xu Tianran and Bing Dwen Dwen, a mascot for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, not only exuded happiness and positivity to the audience, but also made Xu a wellknown figure.

Xu said she performed the dance with Bing Dwen Dwen in response to the extremely low temperatures at the National Alpine Skiing Center, where they work.

By copying their movements, audience members can stay warm and create a good atmosphere for watching the competitors.

"Many people said the video is quite heartwarming. Dance and volunteer work have brought me sunshine and energy, and I hope I can pass that positivity onto other people," the 21-year-old said.

Having grown up in Beijing, the junior student at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology has long had a passion for sports and volunteer work－so much so, that she has already spent more than 500 hours on such work.

"Originally, I just intended to watch the Games and provide as much support for them as possible, sincerely and passionately," she said.

"Then, I learned that my mother translated for an Austrian cyclist at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, which made me really proud. Now, it's my turn to make a contribution."

Xu's main task is to serve the other volunteers. As such, she is responsible for taking photos, editing videos and writing stories about their work, and also tweeting news about her peers working at the skiing center.

"I love taking photos, and I am good at it. It is an honor to be part of the promotion team," she said.

She added that she received comprehensive training before she started her volunteer role. Even before the games opened, she was taken to the National Alpine Skiing Center to learn every detail about the facility.

"I remember that the temperature was-37 C, but my heart was on fire when I saw the center. I concentrated hard on writing down every single detail for my volunteer work," she said.

"Now, we rush around the center carrying cameras to capture exciting moments for other volunteers and write stories about them. I'm very busy, but I'm always passionate."

Xu celebrated her 21st birthday at the center on Feb 14, and she hopes she can finish the task with good results.

"Working as a volunteer at the Games has made me more enthusiastic and willing to contribute. I believe that the volunteers' spirit of dedication and also the spirit engendered by the Games will have a continued positive effect on my future studies and life. It's been an unforgettable experience for me," she said.