Zhang Tianxin, a native of Pinghu in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, clinched a gold medal on Sept 2 at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Zhang and his partner Chen Minyi defeated their long-time rivals from the Czech Republic in the W1 mixed team archery event with a score of 147-143, successfully defending their title. This remarkable achievement shattered the Paralympic record for this event. It also marks the first gold medal won by an athlete from Jiaxing at this year's Paralympic Games and the 36th gold medal secured by the Chinese delegation in the Paralympics.

In the final showdown against the formidable Czech team, Zhang and Chen displayed remarkable composure, taking an early lead with two perfect 10 rings, securing a 3-point advantage. Throughout the competition, Zhang and Chen maintained their steady performance, leading the match from start to finish and scoring a total of five perfect 10 rings.

This is Zhang's second appearance at the Paralympic Games and his seventh year of pursuing his archery dream from a wheelchair.

Born in 1998 in Shanqinggang village, Xincang township, Pinghu, Zhang suffered a sudden illness at the age of eight, resulting in a disability in both lower limbs and rendering him unable to stand. His passion for archery ignited in 2017, and he demonstrated rapid progress in mastering the techniques.