Hero worship

The convivial atmosphere has also been in evidence in the snowboard competition. After winning the silver medal in the men's slopestyle on Monday, China's Su Yiming hugged champion Max Parrott and bronze-medal winner Mark McMorris, before the three posed for a group photograph, hands on each other's shoulders.

In an interview with Xinhua, the 17-year-old Su saluted his two rivals, both of Canada, describing them as his idols and heroes.

When reporters relayed Su's words to McMorris, the three-time Olympian responded: "It's amazing to be an idol of someone really special.

"When I started snowboarding for a living, he (Su) was just 5 years old. That's pretty crazy," said the 28-year-old, who also won bronze at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.

Considered a living legend of snowboarding, McMorris has won respect from many younger peers like Su, not only because he is the first rider to have executed a triple backflip 1440, but also because of the resolve and persistence he has shown throughout his career.

What still stands out in Su's mind is how McMorris competed at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics only 11 months after sustaining a near-fatal injury.

"He is a god-like figure in snowboarding," said Su.

Over the past decade, McMorris has been a frequent visitor to China, for competitions and snowboard promotions, and has witnessed the sport become "really big" in the world's most populous nation.

In fact, McMorris and Su's friendship dates back more than a decade when they first met at a snowboard promotion in 2010.

"I actually have known Su for quite a long time since he was like this big," recalled McMorris, putting his fingers to his waist. "I saw Su and he's just so deeply in love with snowboarding that it shows in his riding, and he's so motivated to progress.

"I've been a pro for close to 15 years, and to be able to still be here and then compete with him, going blow for blow, that is pretty special.

"Su is a true snowboarder. I will say he has a bright future and I am proud of him."