PYEONGCHANG, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Alina Zagitova, reigning Olympic champion of women's singles figure skating at the PyeongChang Winter Games, said on Saturday that the most important thing is to keep the high bar that she set for herself.

"I felt that I was an Olympic champion only when I fell asleep and then woke up. There is no describing this feeling, when you see an Olympic medal next to you. I slept next to it -- this is when I felt like a champion and an Olympian," said the Olympic athlete from Russia, who's still feeling unbelievable on the win.

Asked if she is indulged in a post-victory treat in the previous day, she said: "Yes, I was allowed to eat some ice cream, but only one."

By winning the gold at the age of 15, Zagitova has now come into spotlight. "I'm really happy that so many people take such keen interest in me but I try not to pay too much attention to it. I will continue to achieve greater heights, although I don't think there are any greater honors than an Olympic medal, but I am sure there are more medals to win."

The teenager also paid attention to men's singles figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu from Japan. "Hanyu is a distinguished athlete and someone to look up to. He has participated with success in two Olympic Games, he is a double Olympic champion, and I would like to thank him very much for being our role model."