JILIN, Northeast China - After failing to defend his freestyle aerials title at the Vancouver Winter Games in 2010, Han Xiaopeng opted to start a new life in the campus. But with the 2014 Sochi Olympics approaching, Han keeps the chance open to jump again for his country.

"I would say I am just half-retired. I will jump again if my country needs me," said the 29-year-old, who was watching the aerials events at the 12th Chinese National Winter Games running through Jan 3 to 13.

In the Turin Olymics in 2006, Han made history by winning the men's aerials gold medal, which is China's first Olympic gold in skiing events as well as the country's first Winter Olympic title claimed by men athletes.

However, a small pit on the snow ruined Han's dream of defending the title as he fell down after landing during the preliminary round and failed to advance to the final at the 2012 Vancouver Games.

After the Vancouver Games, Han chose to hang up his ski boots and enrolled in the "champions class", a project aiming to give Chinese sports elites an opportunity to receive high education, at the Beijing Sport University (BSU).

"In the past two years, I was studying for a master's degree in BSU. And I spent ten months in the US last year to continue my study as part of the cooperation program between our university and the University of Wisconsin in America," said Han. "I am majoring in sports administration and will graduate this year."

Although Han has been away from the aerials arena, his heart has never left. Whenever he has the chance, he would go to watch his former teammates competing.

"The Chinese young skiers are making fast progress. It has been a while since I last watched their competitions. I was really surprised by their performance. And I am really proud of them," said Han while watching the Winter Games.

"The most important thing is they will never fight alone, because both in the men's and women's events, China now have several skiers who have the ability to win a gold in world events. I think in the Sochi Olympics, China have a big chance."

If Han really wants to compete in Sochi, he will be facing a tight schedule. After two years of absence from systematic training, whether he can return to his best level remains a question.

Meanwhile, Han also needs to earn enough Olympic points to qualify for Sochi, which means the 2012-2013 season will be very crucial for him.

"During my campus life, I did not ski or jump any more. Instead, I just casually play some tennis or badminton to keep fit. But if the country really needs me and if I am in the right physical and mental condition, I will return and try my best," said the committed Han.