Bond with guide runner helps para athlete win gold in T11 100-m sprint

Before the starting gun fired, Chinese sprinter Liu Cuiqing and her guide runner, Chen Shengming, exchanged a few words: give it their all and trust each other.

Minutes later, the pair crossed the finish line to claim gold in the women's T11 100 meters at the fifth Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Oct 21, delivering a result that exceeded Liu's expectations after months of injury and rehabilitation.

Liu suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury in July and spent two months unable to run. She began gradually returning to training in September, leaving her little time to regain her form before the Games.

"I'm very satisfied with this result. It exceeded my expectations because I'm still recovering and not at my peak," she said.

For athletes in the T11 classification, who have visual impairments, a short tether connects the runner and guide runner. The guide provides direction and helps maintain coordination, but the partnership requires precise timing, synchronized strides and mutual trust.

For Liu and Chen, that trust has developed over years of training and shared daily routines.

"Trust doesn't come all at once. It builds up through everyday life," Liu said. "Whether in training or in daily life, he has always helped and taken care of me, so my trust in him has gradually grown."

The two began working together in May 2023, when Chen was 19 and had never served as a guide runner. Liu, 35, initially wondered whether someone so young could handle the responsibility.

"He proved over time that he was very reliable, thoughtful and attentive," she said.

Now 22, Chen said his coach introduced him to guide running after he realized that his own prospects as an athlete were limited. The role offered him another way to compete on the international stage and represent China.

Guiding another athlete, however, requires a different approach from running alone.

"When you run by yourself, you have more freedom. When you're guiding someone, you have to take care of them and give them direction," Chen said.

He also has to adjust his stride to Liu's to maintain their rhythm while allowing her to run at full speed.

"She has to keep her stride in check, so I try to match her steps as closely as possible," he said.

The two spend much of their time together, sharing meals, training sessions and daily travel. Chen helps Liu navigate unfamiliar surroundings and takes care of practical details along the way.

"His age makes him a kid, but he can't be a kid when he's a guide runner," Liu said. "In daily life, he has to be like an older brother. He has a strong sense of responsibility."

Chen, however, sees their relationship as one of mutual achievement. "I feel honored. We help each other achieve our goals," he said.

Their partnership has already taken them to major international competitions.

At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, they won three medals after working together for only about five months. They have since competed at events including the world championships and the Paris Paralympics.

Beyond the medals, athletics has also helped Liu grow as a person. She said she was once introverted and reluctant to talk to others, but has become more outgoing and comfortable joking with teammates.

"After taking up athletics, I feel that I can run freely and express myself," she said. "It's a great way to release stress."

The support of her coach and guide runner has helped her embrace that freedom.

"With my coach and my guide runner by my side, I'm not afraid of the darkness," she said.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Liu remains determined to continue competing.

"As long as I have passion in my heart, this middle-aged girl can still burn brightly," she said with a laugh.