Earlier this week, China’s 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games wrapped up in Shenzhen. Right after competing, para athlete Ouyang Jingling dashed back to her classroom in Guiyang, Hunan Province, with barely a moment to savor her taekwondo debut.
As a child, Ouyang lost use of her left hand, but she didn’t let that stop her. Over her career, she snagged more than 50 medals in track events across China and beyond 🌟. After retiring following the London 2012 Paralympics, she swapped her spikes for chalk and became a special education teacher.
Invited to these Games, she decided to try taekwondo for the first time – talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! 🥋 She placed fifth individually and helped Team Hunan clinch bronze in the team event.
Now back among her students, Ouyang hopes her journey will spark a fire in young minds: ‘Never give up, always hold onto hope,’ she tells them, reminding us that resilience is the real MVP ✨.
Her story hits close to home for anyone juggling passion and purpose – whether you’re studying for exams, hustling your side hustle, or chasing the next big milestone, a little extra grit can take you far.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
