"I watched the athletes on the national team wearing clothes emblazoned with the national flag and I was filled with envy. I dreamed of wearing that uniform one day," Qu says.

His goal of joining the national team became his driving force. In less than five years, Qu went from a novice to winning the national youth championship, with performances strong enough to secure a second-place finish in adult competitions.

Despite his rising success in domestic competitions, Qu knew the weight of his responsibility. "At the time, over 130 athletes competed internationally, and Chinese competitors rarely made it within the top 50. My mission was clear — to help the team make a breakthrough."

In February 1993, Qu represented China at the 16th Winter Universiade in Zakopane, Poland.

Before the race, his coach advised him to enjoy the competition and aim for a good result without putting too much pressure on himself. But in a stunning turn, Qu finished sixth place in the 30km race, dramatically improving China's standing in international cross-country skiing.

"My coach ran a lap with me after the race. Anyone who didn't know the result might have thought I'd won gold," Qu recalls.