Chinese cyclist Li Zhangyu propelled China onto the gold medal tally at the Paris Paralympics, clinching the nation’s first gold by triumphing over his compatriot Liang Weicong in the men’s C1 3000m individual pursuit final on Thursday.
The 36-year-old seasoned Paralympian showcased his enduring prowess by setting a new world record during the qualifying rounds, a feat that not only secured his spot in the gold medal match but also assured China of a gold before the final even commenced.
This victory marks Li’s fourth Paralympic gold, adding to his impressive collection of accolades. He previously claimed the same event at Rio 2016, earned a silver at London 2012, and took home a bronze from Tokyo 2020.
“Standing atop the podium once again is a dream come true,” Li expressed after the race. “Sharing the final with Liang made it even more special for us and for our country.”
Li’s remarkable performance reinforces China’s strength in Paralympic cycling and inspires both his teammates and aspiring athletes back home. The friendly rivalry between Li and Liang not only highlighted their personal dedication but also exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and competition that defines the Paralympic Games.
With this win, China looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the Games, aiming for excellence across various disciplines and continuing to make impactful strides on the global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
