Snowboard soulmates

Not love at first sight

Bunschoten, 26, and Vos have been a couple for more than eight years.

"It wasn't love at first sight－he was really annoying," Bunschoten said, an assertion Vos conceded to with a laugh.

But as they grew up, romance blossomed, and these days they train together at the gym and on the slopes.

They also learn a lot from each other's different boarding styles.

"We are totally the opposite. He loves to jump and fly, and I love the small technical features," Bunschoten said.

The four-time world champion said it's sometimes tough watching each other compete.

"I didn't see his fall, but I saw his start and it was amazing," Bunschoten said.

"It's pretty nerve-wracking... it's pretty intense sometimes," added Vos, who also has four world championship titles.

The coronavirus pandemic has prevented athletes' family members from traveling to China to cheer them on, giving the couple's relationship an added layer of resonance.

"We are really lucky to have each other here－having your soulmate here is amazing," Bunschoten said

"It's really cool that we can do this together. We can push each other and be there for each other when something is wrong," said Vos.