The national figure skater has been a revelation in the sport in recent years and is already breaking the mould at just 15.
The Allegro ice dance club skater won bronze at the International Skating Union (ISU) junior grand prix in August, becoming the first New Zealand skater to win an ISU medal.
He followed up with a fifth-place finish at the ISU junior grand prix in Osaka in September.
"It was really exciting and it was great to be travelling the world," Li said.
"I was really like grateful to showcase New Zealand to the world and make more people get to know the country more."
Li, of Auckland, who was in Dunedin this week to defend his junior men’s title at the national figure skating championships, has continued to rise through the ranks, backing up his fine form from last season.
He came second at the South East Asia Open Trophy for junior men — "it was a great experience" — and finished 16th at the ISU junior grand prix in Latvia.
The rising star’s results this season have led to him qualifying for the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Korea next year.
"It’s pretty amazing."
Li started ice skating when he was 4 at home in Beijing, China, when he was looking for something to help him "cool off" during the hot summers.
He fell in love with the sport and continued skating when he moved to Auckland four years later, where he met his now coach and top-level skater Bess Cao, whom he trains with 12 hours each week.
"We formed a special relationship.
"She’s more than a coach to me. She’s a mentor and a manager."
He had big dreams for the future — "I really want to compete in major competitions" — including competing at the world championships and the Olympics.
