Naturalized Lin eyes Olympic glory

China's new US-born figure skater Lin Shan (aka Ashley Lin) has set her sights of earning glory for the host nation at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The 16-year-old Dallas native was granted Chinese citizenship earlier this year, and she's already dreaming of that podium moment in Beijing.

"My parents came to the United States from Shanghai," said Lin."They both work in computer companies. I am very grateful that they encouraged me to skate and they always support my dream.

"My biggest dream is to win a medal at the Olympics. And I am so happy that I can skate for China."

An Olympic medal looks to be within Lin's reach after her impressive performance at last week's national championships in Changchun, Jilin province.

Despite a major miscue in her short program, Lin won bronze in the women's singles with 171.99 points. Twelve-year-old An Xiangyi won the gold medal with 197.93, while Chen Hongyi was second (176.26).

"I performed with all my heart," said Lin, who won bronze at the Junior All-American championships and was fifth at an ISU Grand Prix.

"It wasn't as good as my training, but I tried my best."

China's former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Chen Lu was impressed.

"Lin is a powerful skater; her jumps are strong and her style is international, which are her advantages," said Chen, who reckons Lin should peak around the time of the Beijing Games.

"Her best time is not now," Chen added. "The golden age for female figure skaters is 19 to 20, so Lin will be at her best at the Olympics.

"She needs to improve her skills and work on the details. Most importantly, she must make a breakthrough in her degree of difficulty."

Xinhua