After childhood polio, hyperthyroidism and four Paralympic silvers once left her doubting whether to quit, Cui Zhe persevered to win Paris 2024 gold and, at nearly 40, lifted a personal-best 120kg in Nagoya to claim her fifth Asian Para Games gold.
NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cui Zhe straightened her sleeves, adjusted her glasses and lay down on the bench. After settling into position, she summoned her strength and pushed the barbell upward.
As she sat up, the announcement of a "good lift" rang through the arena and a radiant smile spread across her face amid applause and cheers.
It was the final lift of the women's 41kg para powerlifting event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday. Cui hoisted 120kg, a personal best in competition and nearly three times her body weight.
Childhood polio left Cui with a disability affecting her left leg. Weighing only about 40kg, the Shandong native, who grew up in a village in eastern China, once felt life itself was an unbearable burden.
In 2003, a local disabled persons' federation introduced her to para sport, and para powerlifting, contested exclusively in the bench press, became part of her life.
Bespectacled and slight in build, Cui says many doubted her when she first took up the sport. "But I refused to give in. I wanted to try and change myself," she said.
That determination set her apart. While others might stop after the scheduled sets, Cui would push for a few extra repetitions. She won a national title in 2003, was selected for the national team in 2005 and competed at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.
But setbacks followed. Three years into her career, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a condition that can cause hand tremors and abnormal weight loss. The illness affected her at key moments: a flare-up left her with silver at Beijing 2008, and she suffered a relapse a month before London 2012. Her first four Paralympic appearances, from Beijing to Tokyo, all ended with silver medals.
By 2016, with her results plateauing, Cui considered quitting. After a period of doubt, she persevered. "I felt I still had a chance, and I wanted to prove I was as capable as anyone else," she said.
A month before the Paris 2024 qualifiers, she developed fluid in her shoulder but continued training while receiving treatment and secured a place on the team. In the Paralympic final, after her nearest rival lifted 118kg, Cui responded with a personal best of 119kg to claim gold at her fifth Games.
In Nagoya, Cui was well ahead of the field. None of her rivals attempted more than 104kg in the final. She opened with a confident 110kg and completed a clean 120kg on her last attempt, delivering China's first gold medal of the Games.
The victory extended a remarkable streak: Cui has competed at all five editions of the Asian Para Games and won gold at each one. She will turn 40 in less than two months.
Cui admitted she once worried about her age, but fellow athletes encouraged her: "You're still improving at your age. You're our role model." Their words convinced her to continue.
She credited scientific training, a balanced diet and a steady routine for her improved recovery and form. "I'm more confident and relaxed now. These days I'm enjoying every competition," she said.
Soon after stepping down from the podium, Cui was already looking ahead. "I view Nagoya as a test on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics," she said. "I hope I can lift even more there." ■
