Mao Zhongwu of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

by sportswriters Yao Youming and Zhao Jiantong

TESERO, Italy, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese para biathlete and para cross-country skier Mao Zhongwu finished his campaign at the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games on Sunday after taking three silvers and one bronze at the Tesero cross-country skiing stadium.

"Although I failed to bring home any gold medal, I was satisfied with my performances here in the last few days," Mao told Xinhua.

After finishing all his events at Milan-Cortina, Mao and South Korean para skier Shin Eui-hyun exchanged their signed bibs in the mixed zone for press.

"Shin, who is older than me, told me he is going to retire. I don't know whether I will participate in the next Paralympic Winter Games, but I love competing at events," the 39-year-old added.

At the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, Mao took one gold in cross-country skiing. On his road to Milan-Cortina 2026, the veteran began to train as a para biathlete.

"As a cross-country skier, you need to have good physical condition, as well as great determination. But if you want to become a good biathlete, you also need fantastic shooting skills," said Mao.

"Compared with cross-country skiing, the biathlon is a more challenging sport. That's why I choose to compete in both events concurrently."

Mao said his focus at Milan-Cortina was totally different to that of Beijing four years ago.

"My mindset has become more mature. I became more competitive in the last four years, so that I can compete more calmly," Mao said.

Mao said he still occasionally keeps in touch with his grassroots coach, Fan Yi. Although Fan, a wheelchair racing coach, is unable to offer technical advice on winter sports, Mao said Fan's encouragement has helped him stay positive mentally.

To break up the monotony of training, Mao likes playing video games with his teammates and going swimming. He also enjoys reading.

Through winter sports, Mao said he has become happier and more self-confident, while continuing to set new goals and dream bigger.

"I want to encourage everyone, whether disabled or not, to take part in sports in daily life," Mao said. "Sweating a little every day is good not only for your mood, but also for your life."

Mao became a wheelchair racer in 2017. Although he did not begin his sporting career until he was 31, he has continued to chase younger teammates and rivals through hard work.

"Please don't describe me as a veteran. I am still a young athlete," Mao insisted.

"I am going to turn 40, but maybe the golden age of my sporting career is still to come," he added. ■

Athletes compete during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Zheng Peng of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Wang Tao of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Wang Tao of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Mao Zhongwu (R) of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Athletes compete during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Athletes compete during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Jeong Jaeseok (up) of South Korea competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Wang Tao of China falls down after the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Zheng Peng (C) of China falls down after the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Mao Zhongwu (R) of China competes during the para cross-country skiing men's 20km interval start sitting at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero, Italy, March 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)