"I'm thrilled to compete at such a high-level event in my hometown and even happier to win China's first gold," Li said.

Returning to Harbin for the competition also gave Li the chance to enjoy a hometown favorite—guobaorou (sweet and sour pork)—a dish she had been craving throughout Spring Festival. Encouraged by her family, she focused on delivering her best performance.

Li set the tone early, scoring 93 points in her first run before landing a 95.25 in her third. "I played it safe in the first run, then increased the difficulty in the second and third," she said.