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02 верасня 2024, 12:33
Hangzhou cyclist Li Zhangyu wins China's first gold at Paris Paralympics
PARIS, 2 September (BelTA - China Daily) - Hangzhou's Li Zhangyu, known
as the Magic Rider, clinched China's first gold medal at the Paris
Paralympics in the track cycling men's C1 3,000m individual pursuit,
marking his fourth consecutive Paralympic title. His victory not only
saw the setting of a new record but also fulfilled a long-standing
personal goal.
Li's wife, Zhang Guqing, watched the race with
bated breath, finally releasing tears of joy when he crossed the finish
line. "Now I can finally ask him, 'Does your neck still hurt?'" she
said, referring to his injury.
Li, a 33-year-old cyclist who was
diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, has overcome immense challenges
throughout his career. Despite numerous injuries and hardships, he
remains committed to the sport he loves. "As long as I have strength, I
will continue to compete," Li said.
Li's journey began in Lin'an,
a mountainous area of Hangzhou, where he developed a love for cycling
at a young age. His determination and talent led him to join Hangzhou's
Paralympic training team in 2007. Since then, he has won numerous
medals, including golds at the London, Rio, and Tokyo Paralympics.
Off
the track, Li is a family man and a Lego enthusiast. He has a passion
for road trips and dreams of revisiting Tibet with his wife after the
Paris Games. His family's unwavering support, along with growing public
attention, fuels his drive to keep pushing forward.
"Family is my
greatest support, and the encouragement from fans is my greatest
motivation," Li said. "With their love, I can face any challenge without
fear."