Torchbearer Li Duan sets the torch into the Paralympic Winter Games Cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
As one of the eight para-athletes serving as torchbearers in the final torch relay inside the National Stadium, Li Duan was responsible for placing the torch into the cauldron during the Beijing Winter Paralympic opening ceremony.
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Li Duan can't see the light, but he lit up the sky on the night of the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
It was probably the longest minute for Li when he struggled to place the Paralympic torch in the middle of the giant snowflake-shaped cauldron.
But it was also the most warming and encouraging minute when the audience cheered and applauded for Li as he fumbled for the right angle.
As one of the eight para-athletes serving as torchbearers in the final torch relay inside the National Stadium, Li, who is visually impaired, was responsible for placing the torch into the cauldron during the Beijing Winter Paralympic opening ceremony.
Torchbearer Tang Xuemei (R) hands over the flame to the torchbearer Li Duan during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
Just as scheduled, Li took over the torch, marched toward the cauldron with the help of a guide, stepped onto the platform and was lifted right beneath the cauldron.
He held the torch high in his right hand, touched the snowflake placards engraved with the names of National Paralympic Committees with his left hand until he found the slot for the torch - just like he had practiced over and over again in the past week.
But his several attempts to insert the torch into the slot failed because the torch was not placed at the right angle.
Li tried spinning the torch, pressing it down with both hands, but it still didn't work.
As someone in the crowd shouted "You got this!", the stadium was then filled with chants and cheers.
After more courageous attempts, Li finally embedded the torch firmly into the center of the cauldron.
Torchbearer Li Duan prepares to set the torch into the Paralympic Winter Games Cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
He did it!
Li pumped his left fist and punched the air, while his right hand was still grabbing the torch tight.
Not until the stadium burst into thunderous applause did Li release his right hand and raise both his arms high to the crowd.
"I knew there would be difficulties," said Li with a trembling voice after the opening ceremony. "But as long as I could keep at it and overcome the difficulties, there's nothing I, and other people with disabilities, can't do."
"My right hand was a little lower than usual, and the slot was not as smooth either," Li explained. "For people with vision impairments, a tiny bit of deviation may cause a big trouble."
"But I had the confidence. I pulled the torch out and tried again. It took a while, but I made it in the end."
Li added that he wanted to adjust the position of his feet on the platform but then decided not to as the platform was lifted high.
Li also expressed his gratitude to people who cheered him on during that process.
"We blind people can't feel the light, but we can feel the sound and people who have helped and supported us," he said.
Torchbearer Tang Xuemei (R) and Li Duan show the Paralympic torches during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
Li was a former basketball player but lost his sight at the age of 18 while preparing for the new Chinese Basketball Association season. Two years later, Li picked up sports again and became Paralympic long jump and triple jump champions at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
"Now I feel the same as when I broke the world record and won gold at the National Stadium back in 2008," Li recalled. "Although I can't see, I want to show the world how we Chinese people with disabilities strive for our better selves."
"When I practiced long jump, I had to run straight and keep my steps accurate," Li said. "If my steps were too big, I would be penalized for a foul. And if my steps were too small, I would not be able to jump into the sandpit."
"It was the same this time - practice and practice." ■
