2022 is a monumental year in which Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games has impressed us all. Meteorological services have played an instrumental role in supporting this spectacular event.

Dong Quan, Chief forecaster from National Meteorological Centre (NMC) has deeply engaged in meteorological services for the event and shared impressive stories.

Dong Quan

Looking back on the four snow seasons in meteorological services, meteorological staff said that this experience is so precious and will be remembered forever.

The first time Dong Quan came to Chongli, after five-hours' bus travel, he felt that the road was so long and the weather was freezing cold. Afterwards, during the closed training period，he felt this city with his two feet for numerous times. Others also remarked that they have experienced the road from the district meteorological department in southern parts of the city to Fulong ski resort in northern parts of the city.

Picture of Dong Quan in January 2020 and February 2022

The first time they went to the national ski resort construction site, it was still in the process of being excavated. Although their boots were swamped with the snow on top of Chongli Mountain, they remain excited and enthusiastic.

The long-lasting drill in two consecutive years has outlived the snow season in Chongli. During this period, members of meteorological service team have never left Chongli. For Dong Quan, who has old parents and little child at home , it was a tremendous test.

Dong Quan engages in weather consultation of Beijing 2022 venues

Looking back on the four-year experience in meteorological services for the event, Dong Quan felt it was an exceedingly rare test. After this test, he has gone through a complete transformation from way of thinking to expertise.

On the eve of the opening ceremony of the event, intangible pressure has mounted all of a sudden. At that time, the closed drill has lasted about two months. Dong Quan has entered a state of “finding fault with” everything. However, it was from that moment, he began to contemplate the meaning of the vent and feel those practitioners in Chongli with his own heart. When he truly grasped the meaning of the event and ice sports for Chongli, he seemed to suddenly find his “calling” in this process. He felt quite relieved and shook off the mental burden. He has benefited a lot in terms of way of thinking and began to look inside.

On the night of January 5, 2022, Dong Quan and his team members were moving the wind measurement instruments.

In November 2022, Dong Quan completed the transition from the deputy chief forecaster of NMC to the chief forecaster. He started to chair the national weather consultation to grasp the weather forecast of the entire country. Faced with this transition, he did not feel so much anxiety or stress. To his mind, it was thanks to his experience as the chief forecaster in Zhangjiakou venue of the event. The experience of meteorological service for the event has not only taught him the alpine meteorological knowledge, but also substantially boosted his capability in single site refined forecast and custom-made services. Based on bountiful fruits from the experience, he felt quite equipped to take on the new role of the chief forecaster.

For Dong Quan, this event has not only born fruit in terms of his work but also affected his life. This experience has made him have an encounter with skiing and become deeply engrossed in this sport. He started to wallow in the feeling in running in the snow track.

Dong Quan was at work Photoed by Wang Xuhai

The year 2023 is just around the corner. It is also the one-year anniversary of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is acknowledged that there is Beijing 2022 legacy. From Dong Quan’s perspective, not only a city will benefit, the participants will as well.

Editor: Liu Shuqiao