2024-08-28 16:00:07
The suspense is almost non-existent. For two decades, the scene has been the same: China won at the Paralympics. Starting in Athens in 2004, then to Beijing, as well as London, Rio and Tokyo. China has dominated the medal table in the past five editions of the competition. In 2021, in the Japanese capital, Chinese disabled athletes won 96 gold medals, more than twice as many as the second-ranked United Kingdom.
What happened after the game is also well known. Chinese state media will praise the country’s strength and view sports as a way for people with disabilities to achieve social goals and integrate into society. Abroad, the People’s Republic of China will be accused of focusing primarily on the latter if it shines in the world of sports without adequately addressing the long-standing discrimination faced by China’s 85 million disabled people.
To understand this dominance of China, you have to go to a vast complex in the north of Beijing, not far from the capital’s airport district: the China Sports Training Center for People with Disabilities. After weeks of deliberations, Chinese authorities agreed to provide Le Monde Before the Paris Olympics, from August 28 to September 8.
“Always surpass yourself”
The facility covers an area of over 23 hectares and was inaugurated in 2007, the following year the first Olympic Games were held in China. It is the world’s largest training center for high-level athletes with disabilities. Athletes come here weeks before major events to prepare, but spend the rest of the year training at about thirty other regional centers. This pyramid structure ensures the emergence of talent and thus numerous medals.
On a hot morning in July, the Chinese athletes prepared nervously. Wheelchair basketball players are practicing, not far from other athletes focused on bodybuilding exercises. On an outdoor court, an archery champion shoots an arrow at the target. At the end of an Olympic-sized pool, swimmers without arms jump from the starting block into the water to perfect their moves in the pool. Finally, clearly visible is the red flag with yellow stars. Banner invites them “Always surpass yourself, work hard and show courage”. Another praised efforts to recognize disabled sport.
There are 70.53% left to read in this article. The remainder is reserved for subscribers.
1724861529
#Paris #China #wins
