Without arms, beyond limits: A champion across the track and taekwondo mat

Twenty-four years after an accident left Ma Yinghu without arms, the now 30-year-old athlete left the 12th Gansu Provincial Games for Persons with Disabilities with no less than three golds and one silver.

Growing up in rural Dongxiang county of Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture, Gansu province, he had no professional coach or training facilities. Dirt roads and village paths became his first tracks. He ran to and from school, practiced with friends, and learned from sports videos, gradually building his strength and technique.

"I've loved sports since I was a child," Ma said. In 2014, his athletic talent was discovered during a visit to the local disabled persons' federation. He was selected to join the Linxia prefecture team and began his professional career.

Over the past 12 years, Ma has competed in athletics and para taekwondo. In 2021, he won his first national title, securing Gansu's first-ever gold medal in para taekwondo at the National Games for Persons with Disabilities. He claimed another national title in 2025.

"When you truly love what you do, you don't fear the difficulties," he said. "You simply see them as challenges and face them."

For Ma, sport is more than medals. It is his way of embracing life, challenging himself, and moving forward. "I believe youth should have dreams. Dreams give us the courage to pursue them and face the future without fear."

At the games in September, Ma won gold in the 400m, 800m, and 58kg para taekwondo, as well as silver in the long jump.

Wu Yuexuan contributed to the story.