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Zhang Tianxin at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in 2023. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

The 17th Paralympic Games will be held in Paris from Aug 28 to Sept 8 and see around 4,400 athletes from across the globe competing in 22 sports and 549 events.

Among them is Zhang Tianxin from Pinghu, Jiaxing, representing China in the men's individual compound bow W1 and men's team compound bow W1 archery events.

Zhang is preparing to leave for Paris on Aug 21. His goal is to win medals and achieve greatness on the international stage.

In March 2017, encouraged by his sister, Zhang participated in the selection trials at the Hangzhou Sports Training School. A discerning archery coach recognized his potential, altering the course of his life.

Starting from the basics, Zhang dedicated himself to rigorous training, often repeating actions dozens or even hundreds of times daily. Despite the frequent pain and sleepless nights due to sore arms, Zhang never considered giving up.

His perseverance paid off when he won a gold medal in the mixed team W1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. He further cemented his legacy by clinching double gold in the men's W1 open team and individual events at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Archery not only restored his confidence but also helped him grow through continuous challenges.

The archery events at the Paris Paralympics will be held from Aug 29 to Sept 5. Zhang will make his debut on Sept 1.