As Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland for the 2025 Asian Winter Games, Thai athlete Patrick Forstner is defying expectations – splitting time between competitive ice hockey rinks and fashion runways. The Mister Global Thailand 2024 winner recently gave CGTN's Li Zhao an exclusive look at his dual life during a cultural exchange in northeast China's frozen parks.
\"Ice hockey chose me as much as I chose it,\" Forstner revealed while demonstrating slap shots alongside local enthusiasts. \"The speed, the teamwork – it's like modeling meets military strategy.\"
The 24-year-old phenom represents Thailand's growing winter sports ambitions, with the country fielding its largest-ever delegation at these Games. His participation underscores Southeast Asia's emerging engagement with cold-weather athletics amid climate challenges.
Between practice sessions, Forstner immersed himself in Harbin's legendary ice culture – from sculpting frozen masterpieces to tasting regional delicacies. \"This city turns cold into creativity,\" he observed, highlighting sustainable tourism opportunities arising from China's winter sports development.
Reference(s):
Faces of Asian Winter Games: Model, actor, or ice hockey player? The many sides of Patrick Forstner
cgtn.com
