As the captain of the Chinese women’s national wheelchair basketball team, Lin Suiling is gearing up to lead her team to the top of the podium at the upcoming 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris. Born in 1991, Lin’s journey is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity.
Lin began her basketball career at the age of 17 when she joined the Guangzhou City women’s wheelchair basketball team. Despite facing skepticism due to her stature, she remained undeterred. “I still remember what they said,” Lin told China Media Group (CMG). “‘Can she do it? She’s so short and tiny.’ Some veterans had similar concerns too. There was a coach telling me that a player of my size must work hard to shoot well. I was a little unhappy when I heard them at the beginning, but I blocked those noises and focused on training.”
Her dedication paid off when she was recruited by the Chinese national team five years later. In 2018, she was named team captain, leading her teammates to secure the silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. Under her leadership, the team finished as runners-up at the 2023 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Dubai and clinched the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Lin credits much of her growth to her coach, Chen Qi, who helped her sharpen her skills and overcome her fears. “I’m very proud to play at my third Paralympic Games,” Lin said, reflecting on her journey.
Coach Chen acknowledged the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. “Of course, everyone wants to win the gold at the Paralympic Games in Paris,” Chen told CMG. “Our goal is to retain the silver and go for the gold. Even if we fail in the end, we will have no regrets after giving our best in this process.”
Tied to their wheelchairs, which become extensions of their bodies, Lin and her teammates exhibit remarkable skill and determination on the court. The sport has opened a new world for Lin, transforming doubts into dreams as she continues to inspire others with her unwavering spirit.
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Outside noises don't shake Chinese wheelchair basketballer Lin Suiling
cgtn.com
