The Great Reversal! Zhang Li spelled out the first gold for the Chinese delegation to swim

TOKYO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- On August 25, Chinese player Zhang Li staged a big reversal in the swimming pool of the Tokyo Paralympic Games, spelling out the first gold of the Swimming Event of the Chinese delegation.

In the women's 200m freestyle S5 preliminaries held that morning, Zhang Li ranked fourth. In the final, Zhang Li was in the sixth lane, and in the first 150 meters, she was behind The British Kenny, who ranked first in the preliminary round. In the last 50 meters of the decisive victory, Zhang Li rose up to catch up, swimming faster and faster, and narrowing the distance with Kenny little by little.

Zhang Li almost reversed the title while touching the wall, 0.12 seconds faster than Kenny.

"The last 50 meters, turn around just in time to see the first place. I just wanted to fight as hard as I could, and then I kept chasing, and I kept chasing. And it did. Recalling the thrilling reversal of the good drama, Zhang Li still could not hide the excitement in her heart.

With this gold medal, the five-star red flag was raised for the first time at the Tokyo Aquatic Center. When the award was awarded, Zhang Li gave a thumbs up to the swimming team that came to cheer, "Because my team is calling!" Optimistic and outgoing, she laughed and said.

There is also her coach Zhang Honghu in the team. "It was Coach Zhang who brought me to today's final. When the water started, (seeing that I took the first) I was already crying with excitement, and Coach Zhang said I was amazing. ”

Born in 1998, this Shaanxi girl was diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy when she went to the hospital for examination at the full moon, and when she grew up, she had mobility problems below the waist and could only sit in a wheelchair. In 2012, she was first exposed to swimming, because she couldn't do anything and was scared when she saw water. At the beginning of training, Zhang Li did not do anything else, that is, choking on water, drinking until vomiting every day.

"Choking is used to it, and you know that you can't drown yourself." Choke on the water a few more times, and you'll really do it. Zhang Li said, "It is really like this, you must feel it yourself." Actually you will feel that you can overcome these things. ”

This is Zhang Li's second participation in the Paralympic Games. At the Tokyo arena, she already has a veteran style. "I just fight and try to break through myself." Zhang Li said.

Next, Zhang Li will also participate in the women's 100m freestyle S5 level and other events.