Li Zijun
A graceful Chinese skater who carried her nation's hopes in women's figure skating for nearly a decade with elegant artistry and resilient consistency.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Chinese figure skater·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Li Zijun emerged as a beacon of Chinese women's figure skating in the post-Chen Lu era. Hailing from Harbin, a city with a rich skating tradition, she announced herself by winning the national championship at just 14. Known for her lyrical style, balletic lines, and expressive interpretation of music, Li offered a contrast to the high-flying jumpers dominating the sport. Her career was a story of perseverance, navigating the immense pressure of being China's sole female singles contender at multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. She secured China's lone spot for the women's event at both the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, finishing respectably each time. While a major international podium at the senior level remained elusive, her bronze at the Four Continents Championships and her consistent top-10 finishes at worlds were significant achievements. Her retirement in 2020 marked the end of an era, leaving a legacy of poise and dedication that inspired a new generation of Chinese skaters.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Li was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Li Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Li's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Four-time consecutive Chinese national champion from 2011 to 2014.
- Won the bronze medal at the 2014 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.
- Earned a bronze medal at the inaugural 2012 Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck.
- Represented China at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games, finishing 14th and 22nd respectively.
Did You Know?
She was coached for a time by Li Mingzhu, the coach of China's first Olympic figure skating medalist, Chen Lu.
Her 2016-17 short program music was 'The Sun Also Rises' from the film 'The Warlords.'
She struggled with injury in the latter part of her career, including a persistent ankle problem.
She is known for her love of dogs and often posted pictures with her pet.
“The ice is my canvas, and my skates are the brush.”
