Indeed, Zhang's slow start and physical challenges did not stop her from making rapid progress.

Two years after becoming a national team member, she began to shine at international competitions, winning numerous major titles, including at the Para Alpine Skiing World Cup series.

Now, Zhang is already eyeing more glory over the coming days.

"I hope to perform to my usual level in the following competitions," said Zhang, who will participate in the women's slalom, giant slalom, and super combined.

Her message to other athletes and people with disability is simple: "Just work hard!"

China's Zhang Wenjing, who took bronze in the women's Super-G sitting on Saturday, heaped praise on her teammate's achievements, saying: "Mengqiu and I are close friends and we stick together all the time. We go up to the mountains to train together, and we hang out together in our leisure time. I will learn from her and hopefully make progress under her inspiration."

"It is a milestone and a huge breakthrough," Zhang Wenjing added. "It has taken so much effort. We all cheered for her after she won the gold."