Malian student achieves Winter Olympics dream

Mayentao believes that people with different languages and cultural backgrounds working together highlights exactly the cultural diversity of Beijing, which will be a valued experience for his future life and career.

The BISU is very supportive of Mayentao and other international performers participating in the opening ceremony. Authorities of the university provided them with down coats embroidered with the BISU mascot Xiaoluan-a cartoon bird-scarfs, gloves and face masks.

In 2019, Mayentao served as a volunteer for the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing. The Malian young man, who has a good command of five foreign languages, did a very good job at the conference. "You can only know of a place when you go there, and you get to know a person only after you spend quality time with them," he says.

Mayentao also took part in the grand celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1, 2019. "Seventy years is a milestone for a country. China is becoming strong and prosperous, which is a very inspiring thing."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayentao, like many other international students, chose to stay in Beijing. When he phoned his parents in Mali, he said: "I'm very healthy and safe in China. The BISU takes good care of us. Don't worry!"

The BISU has a specialized canteen and kitchen for the international students, where they can prepare and cook their own food. But Mayentao prefers Chinese cuisine. Dumpling, spicy hot pot and chicken with rice are his favorites. "I love the Chinese dishes," he says with a big smile.

After the Olympic flame was lit at the Bird's Nest, Mayentao said: "I'm so excited. We've been working very hard to perform at the amazing opening ceremony."

The author works with the publicity department of the Beijing International Studies University.