by sportswriters Shan Lei and Yang Yating
MILAN, Italy, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's para ice hockey forward Shen Yifeng says the sport has given him a second life and the chance to live independently.
"I don't have many hobbies. Ice hockey is everything to me. It gives me a second life. Now I can live a life by myself, without help of my parents. This is the life I dreamed of," Shen said.
Losing both legs after being run over by a train at the age of seven, Shen said he grew tired of being stared at and talked about every time he appeared in public in his wheelchair.
He was also desperate to escape a life in which he could do nothing without the help of his family. He wanted to be self-reliant.
"I was lucky to be alive, only losing two legs in that accident. I was given another chance to live a new life after I played ice hockey. Since taking up ice hockey, I've become braver and more independent," he said.
After watching the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at home, he began dreaming of wearing the national jersey and representing his country at the Olympics. His decision received full support from his parents.
"My parents always want me to go outside, not staying indoors all the time. They worried about me every time I went out. But they were more afraid that I was isolated," he added.
When Hebei Province announced trials to recruit para ice hockey players in 2015, Shen passed all the tests to join the team and was called up to the national squad the following summer.
He helped China take the bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games and is now seeking another podium finish at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.
Para ice hockey is one of the most demanding sports for athletes with disabilities. Players sit on sledges, using two short hockey sticks to propel themselves across the ice and strike the puck.
One harsh reality of the sport is that the fewer lower-body limbs a player has, the easier it can be to control the sledge. Shen is the only player on China's team who uses a short sledge, measuring just 80 cm.
"I'm amputated on both legs, so it's easier to control my balance. And the short sledge has a big advantage to make turns during games," Shen explained.
Shen is also the only Chinese player who speaks to the media in the mixed zone while sitting in a wheelchair, as his teammates stand on artificial limbs.
"I've been blessed having this life. I have teammates, coaches and the local government to help me go through everything. My parents don't worry about me anymore. They know I'm happy and enjoying what I'm doing. I'm very grateful," he said.
The team trains nearly 300 days a year, but Shen says he enjoys every minute with his teammates.
"I know I'm lucky to be a part of this family, and do what I can to make this team better. We train together every day and play matches together. Now I can do lots of things all by myself. I've grown up and I can help," he said.
At 27, Shen said he feels as if he has been reborn several times.
"I want to thank my parents. They gave me new life again and again. I want to thank my teammates and coaches. They help me to be brave and independent. And I also want to thank my country to give me the opportunity to be in the Olympics," he concluded. ■
