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Taiwanese Figure Skater Li Yu-hsiang Gears Up for Asian Winter Games

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By Hank Hsu/Sandy Chi

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One of Taiwan's very few locally trained figure skaters, Li Yu-hsiang will be the country's sole representative in the sport at the Asian Winter Games, which got underway on Friday. He is one of 65 athletes representing subtropical Taiwan in the subzero temperatures of Harbin, China.

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Taiwanese Figure Skater Prepares for Asian Winter Games 

Taiwan may not be known for winter sports, but 18-year-old figure skater Li Yu-hsiang is proving that talent can thrive anywhere. He will be Taiwan’s only representative in figure skating at the upcoming Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. 

Li has been training rigorously for the competition, with a focus on both endurance and artistry. “Lately, I've been focusing on my cardiovascular fitness,” he said. “I also need to pay attention to the artistic aspect, so I have stepped up my dancing training, incorporating more up and down movements. This not only enhances my cardiovascular fitness but is also good for the artistic impression.” 

Li first stepped onto the ice at age 8 and was immediately drawn to the sport’s combination of speed, skill and elegance. “I really enjoy the speed on the ice,” he said. “[Figure skating] combines dance and other activities, making it powerful and graceful. It requires both skill and artistry. It’s a very special sport.” 

Over the years, Li has worked with coaches from different countries, refining his technique and artistic expression. His current coach, Kim Soo-jin, praised his abilities. “He's a very talented figure skater, and I think he was born for figure skating,” she said. “He has a great understanding of jumping. And then he jumped with proper tempo and control his body [sic].” 

Despite having professional training stints, Li spends most of his time training alone in Taiwan. He relies on self-discipline and careful observation to improve his performance. He usually watches clips of other athletes and mimics their movements.  

While much of his training is self-directed, Li credits his grandmother as his biggest supporter. “Technically, I would say that my grandma is my main coach,” he said. “She comes with me skating every day. She wakes up and goes to bed early with me each day. Whenever I’m at the ice rink, she’s always there.” 

Li is no stranger to international competition. In 2023, he won the junior men’s gold at the Asian Open in Bangkok. Last year, he took the top spot at the Santa Claus Cup in Hungary. 

 

At the Asian Winter Games, Li is focused on his next goal: breaking into the top ten. Beyond that, he has his sights set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. For the young skater, his journey is just beginning.