At nearly 42 years old, Wang Lili is ready to show the world what Chinese rowers can do at the 2024 Paris Paralympics! 🚣♀️ She’s defying age and expectations as she gears up for her second Summer Paralympics starting on August 28.
Born in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province in 1982, Wang faced challenges early on. At just 10 months old, she contracted polio, resulting in disability in her lower body. But that didn't stop her! After working as an accountant until she was 28, she discovered her passion for rowing.
In the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics, Wang made waves by snagging TWO silver medals 🥈🥈 in women's singles and mixed doubles sculls with her partner Fei Tianming. Talk about making a splash!
Para rowing isn’t for the faint-hearted. It tests power and endurance, especially under the scorching summer sun 🌞. Rowers tie themselves to boats, facing risks like dehydration and heat illnesses. Coaches are always nearby to keep them safe.
Despite the tough training and all kinds of pain, Wang finds joy and fulfillment on the water. \"I notice that I laugh more often since I started rowing,\" she told China Media Group. \"Rowing helped me become more outgoing and confident.\"
China is sending eight rowers and two coaches to compete in three events at Paris 2024: PR1 women's single sculls, PR2 mixed double sculls, and PR3 mixed coxed fours. Wang is pumped to represent her country again!
Her story is a testament to perseverance and passion. Wang’s journey inspires us to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles. Can't wait to see her row her heart out in Paris! 🇫🇷✨
Reference(s):
Wang Lili wants to show what Chinese rowers can do at 2024 Paralympics
cgtn.com
