Chinese Team

Blind faith leads Li to glory

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-17 08:07

Li Duan of China leaps to gold in the Asian Para Games' men's F11 long jump on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Long jumper praises his coach for delivering him from depression

GUANGZHOU - Visually impaired Chinese jumper Li Duan gave his "eyes" his gold medal after winning the men's F11 long jump on Tuesday.

Those "eyes" were his coach, Jin Fan, who has partnered him for more than seven years and taken him from the darkness of depression to shining in the spotlight.

"I want to dedicate this gold medal to my coach. He has worked as my eyes for years and helped me to jump out of the darkness," said Li, who hung the medal around Jin's neck in front of the media scrum at the post-game press conference.

"Without him (coach Jin), I couldn't even run smoothly on the track, not to mention today's achievement," Li said.

Jumping 5.96 meters to claim the title, Li also felt grateful to the cheering spectators at the Aoti Main Stadium.

"Not only my coach, I want to appreciate everyone who has supported me and encouraged me too. They all are my eyes. Although I couldn't see, with their orientation, I can find my way in life and training," said the 32-year-old.

Coming to the Guangzhou Asian Para Games with four gold medals, one silver and a bronze at three consecutive Paralympic Games since the 2000 Sydney event, Li is a powerhouse in the disabled sports community.

Li was a promising basketball player when he was 13 and teamed up with China's iconic hoopster, Wang Zhizhi, in the national reserves team in 1993.

Unfortunately, in 1996, a broken fire extinguisher exploded in front of Li's face and caused severe eye damage, just after he was recruited by top domestic league team the Bayi Rockets.

A year after his accident, his father died of cancer and the double blow sent him into the gloom of depression.

"Those days were the lowest time of life. But my mum encouraged me to take up para sports through the local disabled federation. I was determined not to let her down."

Long jump became Li's chosen event thanks to his explosive leaping ability.

However, fear of the unknown tied up Li's steps while sprinting down the long jump path and hesitation often messed up his pacing and led to injuries.

"Injuries always put doubts in the minds of athletes - cause shadows mentally for athletes, and that is especially so for the disabled," said coach Jin.

"So I have to double-check the field conditions before he runs, including every detail, make sure nothing is wrong to guarantee his security. Then I lead him with claps."

That bond and trust are what has allowed Li to thrive.

"It's like closing your eyes and walking forward with someone leading you by the hand. If you can't fully trust that person, you might open your eyes after several steps. But I give myself to (Jin) without hesitation."

Ironically, one of Li's favorite hobbies is taking photos.

"Given the development in medical science, I am optimistic that my eyes will one day be cured. So I can see my shining moments with my own eyes."

And if that day does come, Li said the first two people he wants to see are his wife and son, whose looks he has imagined a "thousands times".

"I have never seen them. But I know that my wife's eyes are so beautiful and my kid is very cute."

China Daily