by Sportswriters Zhao Jiantong and Zhang Boyu
HANGZHOU, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) — After successful the ladies’s wheelchair race 1,500m-T54 on the 4th Asian Para Games right here on Monday, 26-year-old Zhou Shaoqian from China stated it is her best-ever birthday current.
In the main group from the beginning, Zhou adopted the primary two athletes intently, who’re additionally from China. She accelerated within the final 300 meters, and eventually sealed the victory with 3 minutes and 31.43 seconds, simply 0.02 seconds forward of the silver medalist.
In the wheelchair race, athletes don’t rotate the wheels with their palms. Instead, they grip their palms like fists and “hit” them on the wheels to make them run at a excessive pace.
“This event relies entirely on upper limb strength, and we train physical fitness and core strength through the bench press and horizontal bars,” Zhou defined.
In addition to sustaining middle of gravity stability, additionally they must rapidly faucet the steering wheel to make the wheelchair flip with out pace lower.
“This event has similarities with sports such as swimming and cycling,” she added.
“The 1,500m is not my strongest event. I was lucky enough to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, and this time I think I won with luck again.” No matter how a lot she emphasizes fortune or tries to point out humility, the calluses in her hand let folks know the hassle she has put in.
Born in Hebei province in 1997, Zhou had a contented childhood till a automobile accident brought about her proper leg to be amputated on the age of 5.
However, she confirmed very robust contending conscience quite than simply yielding to the unfair destiny, with help and encouragement from her household. She did not give as much as go to highschool and even went to school to review pc upkeep.
In 2012, Zhou started her profession as an athlete. Nevertheless, after 4 years of arduous coaching, she didn’t qualify for the Rio Paralympic Games. Subsequently, she regrouped, adjusted her abilities, and skilled even more durable. She efficiently returned to the highest ranks within the nation in 2017.
Ever since then, Zhou began to shine in nearly all competitions and made speedy progress.
Zhou, who has already certified for the Paris Paralympic Games, can even take part within the wheelchair races of the 100m, 400m, and 800m occasions at Hangzhou.
“I hope to improve my form by participating in more competitions,” she stated.
As that is her first time visiting Hangzhou, which has left a really deep impression on her, Zhou gave a thumbs-up and stated, “The scenery and people here at Hangzhou are even better than expected, absolutely amazing!”