Para legend looking to lift the next generation

Already a Paralympic and world champion who has posted 19 world records, Chinese powerlifting legend Tan Yujiao is now aiming for much more than just reaching the podium at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

Beyond medals, what the legend cares the most is how she can inspire a younger generation of para athletes and people with disabilities to chase their dreams.

"I'm already a veteran, and to many young athletes, I have been their inspiration for many years. And the reason is not just about all the medals that I have won or the records that I have broken. It's more about my story; of how to fight against all odds to still be here," said the 33-year-old Tan in an exclusive interview with Asiad Daily.

"When I was younger, I was in my prime and I had dominance in my discipline. I had my career highlights. Then, after the Tokyo Paralympics, I suffered some major injuries. So what's truly inspiring to them, and myself, is the process of getting back to the top from the very bottom. The younger athletes have talked to me a lot, and many of our discussions were about how to overcome challenges that seem to be insurmountable."

Tan displayed absolute dominance in the women's 67kg powerlifting. After winning silver at the 2012 London Paralympics, Tan won gold medals at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics respectively.

At world championships, from 2014 to 2023, she has collected four world titles.

She also won gold both at 2014 and 2018 Asian Para Games and, throughout her years of glory, has broken powerlifting world records in her category an astonishing 19 times.

Her journey even seems surreal to Tan herself.

"My career already spans more than 20 years, as I started practicing the sport when I was a teenager. I always remember, when I was a little girl at school, I could not even attend PE classes due to my disability. But look at me now, I'm a national team veteran who has won honors for my country," Tan added.

"If I could travel back in time to meet the girl who cannot even enjoy PE class, I would tell the younger version of myself, 'Be patient and have confidence, because there will be many beautiful things waiting for you in the future. You will shoulder responsibilities, but you will also make many people proud.'"

Tan still remembers how thrilled she was when she broke the world record for the first time at a competition in 2013, and in the following years, competitions, however big or small, were more about challenging herself. But age has changed all that.

"I used to have things relatively easy because I had barely any strong rivals at that time. So I was just challenging myself over and over again," said Tan.

"But now, with age and injuries, it's inevitable that I have to face more challenges. It's a common problem that all high-level athletes have to face. And younger athletes provide greater competition.

"But this is life, right? You climb a mountain, you reach the top and then you come down. This is same for everyone.

"I want to tell the dream chasers that we all may need to fight against the storm in our lives, but to cherish all those moments. They provide the power for me to face my future with courage."