Chinese powerlifter Bian fulfills her dream at Beijing Paralympics

"I was very thin at that time and my weight was only about 30kg," Bian said. "Coach Li said if I could lift 20kg, he would let me stay. And I lifted almost 40kg. Since then I started to be a powerlifter."

Powerlifting has changed Bian's life. "When I just started training, Li told me that he would take me abroad to participate in international competitions. It was hard to imagine that a disabled girl could go abroad at that time. But after half a year, I really went to Melbourne to take part in World Wheelchair Championships and won three gold medals. It was like a dream," she said.

Bian made her first Paralympic debut in 2000 Sydney Paralympics, where she claimed the women's 40kg category gold. "It was the first gold for China in that Paralympics, so I was very excited," said Bian. "It's unforgettable to me."

In 2004 Athens Paralympics, Bian repeated her glory as she won 48kg category and broke the world record.

Bian said powerlifting really gave her a lot. "It broadened my horizon, gave me confidence," she said. "Many years ago, people didn't understand para-sports. But I am glad to see that they now understand I am a Paralympic athlete. I think this progress is important."

Bian has a two-year-old son. "I want to give the gold medal to my son," she said. "I didn't have time to take care of him, but I believe he will understand and be proud of me when he grows up."

Editor:Zhang Yue