Paralympians poised for glory in Paris with big hopes swimmers will retain top spot from Tokyo
The iconic Arc de Triomphe, illuminated by the vibrant red, blue, and green of the Paralympic emblem, served as the backdrop for around 4,400 athletes from around the world as they took part in Aug 28’s opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
China’s 516-member delegation is poised to showcase the strength, skill, and determination of the nation’s athletes to the world.
With an average age of 25.8 years, China’s 284 Paralympians are set to participate in 19 sports, including archery, athletics, and badminton, across 302 events at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games, which will be held in Paris from Aug 28 to Sept 8.
This marks China’s 11th delegation at the Summer Paralympics. All athletes are amateurs, ranging from workers and farmers to students, civil servants, and freelancers.
China made its Paralympics debut in 1984, when Ping Yali won the country’s first Paralympic gold medal in the women’s long jump. At 2021’s Tokyo Paralympics, China secured 207 medals, including 96 golds, making it to the top of the gold medal count and the overall standings.
In recent Paralympic Games, China has established itself as a dominant force in sports such as wheelchair fencing, swimming, powerlifting, athletics, table tennis, archery, shooting, and badminton.
Veteran track and field athlete Yao Juan, preparing for her seventh Paralympics, is filled with anticipation. “I’ll be giving everything I have in the shot put and discus events, while also passing on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years to help our younger athletes succeed,” the 40-year-old said.
China’s women’s wheelchair basketball team, which won a historic silver in Tokyo, is determined to go one step further this time.
“We’re ready,” said head coach Chen Qi. “I hope the girls will perform to the best of their ability and have no regrets.”
At Hall 4 of the South Paris Arena, Zhao Shuai, a key player in China’s Paralympic table tennis team, has been preparing rigorously. Engaged in the men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Zhao has dedicated long hours to keeping his physical and technical skills at the highest levels.
“Every training session and match opportunity is precious to me,” Zhao said. “I’m focused on maintaining optimal condition and sharp reflexes.”
At the archery training ground near Les Invalides, China’s Paralympic archers have been honing their skills. After landing a bull’s-eye, Gan Jun, competing in his first Paralympics, said, “Wind speed and direction play a big role in how the arrow lands. I’m working to adapt quickly and get into top form.” Like many others on the team, Gan is eager to take on the challenge of the Paris Games.
Dong Zhi, coach of China’s Paralympic archery team, has noted a warm spirit of camaraderie among athletes from different countries since they arrived in Paris. “It feels like joining a large family here,” he said. “Athletes often exchange small gifts and share insights on topics like wheelchair modifications. It’s a vibrant platform for interaction and exchanges.”
Ma Litao, head of the delegation’s general office, said the top priority in the training and competition of Paralympians is ensuring their safety, preventing further injuries, and avoiding any worsening of existing conditions.
Zhang Chenglin, a staff member from the delegation’s sports and competition team, said the athletes have settled into their routines, and all equipment checks by the International Paralympic Committee have been completed.
“Currently, all teams are engaged in adaptive training, with preparations fully in place. Operations are running smoothly, safely, and with precision as we gear up for the start of the Games,” he said.
China’s swimming squad — one of the nation’s flagship teams at the Paralympics — wasted no time adjusting to the rigors of competition in Paris. Having battled long flights and jet lag, the team settled in to ready itself for the upcoming games.
Set to take place from Aug 29 to Sept 7 at the Paris La Defense Arena, the swimming competition will see China field 46 athletes — 21 men and 25 women — making the team the second-largest contingent after athletics.
Wei Wei, a team staff member, said that the team arrived at the Paralympic Village in Paris on the evening of Aug 21 along with the second batch of the Chinese delegation.
Despite the long-haul flight and having to adjust to the time difference, the athletes quickly acclimated and the team is in good overall shape as the athletes prepare for competition.
At the Tokyo Paralympics, China’s swimming team won 19 golds, 19 silvers, and 18 bronze medals. These achievements have heightened expectations for Paris.
Veteran swimmer Lu Dong, known as the “armless mermaid”, has competed in several Paralympics and won multiple gold medals.
“Having competed internationally so often, I’ve quickly adjusted to the time difference,” Lu said. “I just finished a training session at the gym. Since my events are still a bit of time away, I hope to be in peak condition when the competition starts.”
“I hope to deliver my best swim this time and show even more progress than before,” she said.
The youngest athlete on Team China, 15-year-old swimmer Jiang Hui, will compete in six events. She began training the day after arriving in Paris, spending up to five hours a day in the pool. Competing in her first Paralympics, Jiang hopes to surpass her personal best.
“I don’t have much experience in international competitions, and with so many events, my coach just wants me to learn from the experience,” Jiang said.
The Chinese team includes both emerging talents like Jiang and seasoned veterans. Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Jia Hongguang, who only became a swimmer at the age of 21, will compete in his fourth Paralympic Games in Paris.
At 36, Jia acknowledges this may be his final Games and hopes to finish his journey with a strong performance.
Now working in disability-related fields, Jia expressed his desire to inspire more people with disabilities to fully embrace life through his efforts and achievements.
