Get ready to cheer, folks! 🎉 China's high-jumper extraordinaire, Chen Hongjie, is leaping into his fifth Paralympic Games in Paris starting this Wednesday. At 34 years young, Chen is defying gravity 🪂 and age, proving that dreams have no expiration date.
Chen's journey hasn't been a walk in the park. After losing his right arm and left leg to an electric shock at just seven years old, life threw some serious hurdles his way. Raised by his mom, who sadly passed away in 2009, Chen made a promise that's fueled his incredible career: to win a Paralympic gold medal in her honor. 🥇
\"I promised my mom that one day, I would win the Paralympic gold medal,\" Chen shared with China Media Group. \"Even though I'm older and the competition is fierce, I won't give up. I believe I can do it, and I want to keep my word.\" 💪
Since his Paralympic debut at Beijing 2008, where nerves had his legs shaking more than a dance floor at a fiesta 💃, Chen has been reaching new heights. He snagged bronze in Beijing and London 2012, then soared to silver in Rio 2016. Now, he's setting his sights on the ultimate prize in Paris. 🗼
\"I don't know if this will be my final Paralympics,\" Chen admits. \"High jump is all about explosiveness, and track and field favors the young. But age is just a number, right?\" 😏
With determination that's nothing short of inspirational, Chen is ready to make his leap of faith. Whether it's his last hurrah or another chapter in his legendary story, one thing's for sure—we're all rooting for him! 🇨🇳🎊
So grab your snacks, set your alarms, and let's watch Chen Hongjie aim for gold, making his mama proud and showing the world that no obstacle is too high. Let's go, Chen! 🚀
Reference(s):
High jumper Chen Hongjie goes for gold in fifth Paralympic appearance
cgtn.com
