Rong Jing majored in Social Work at Lianyungang Radio and TV University (Lianyungang RTVU) from 2014 until 2017, graduating with a junior-college diploma. Her honours include four gold medals at the Paralympics and the “National May 1st Labour” and “China Youth May 4th” medals; she has also been named “National March 8th Red-banner Holder”.
Rong Jing, from an ordinary peasant family, suffered from polio in her right leg as a child. In 2004 she was selected to join the wheelchair-fencing team of Jiangsu province, even though at that point she did not even know how to hold a foil. At first, the severity of the training made her think of quitting, but the perseverance of the older athletes, the hope of her seventy-year-old coach, and the inspiring words she heard in the gym make her stick with it. Her hands became callused, but she remained determined to be strong, ascend the podium, and win glory for China.
At the opening ceremony of the Rio Paralympics, Rong Jing took great pride in being the flag-bearer for the Chinese delegation. So far, she has won nearly one hundred medals, which she keeps in a box as her most prized possessions.
Both personal and national dignity are what motivate her, with the many flowers and applause the reward for all her sweat and tears. Here she would like to share with us a few of her stories.
A loving campus
Rong Jing felt very lucky to have the teachers and classmates she had at college. While studying at Lianyungang RTVU, her classmates were friendly and respectful, treating her like everyone else, letting her enjoy her time there, and making her more outgoing and optimistic.
Careful guidance from a grandmotherly coach
Rong Jing’s coach was Zhuang Xingti, a seventy-five-year-old who was the women's foil champion at the Second and Third National Games. She would tell Rong Jing: “Athletes need to stay calm and positive, regardless of the difficulties. Just because you fall behind doesn't mean you will lose.” This wisdom is not just for sports but for life: one should remain optimistic in the face of adversities. For Rong Jing, this was the main thing she gained from sports.
Support from others
Before Rong Jing became flag-bearer at the Rio Paralympics, Ms. Zhang Haidi, head of the Chinese athlete delegation, said: “More care should be given to women and children, so this year we should select a woman athlete as flag-bearer. I suggest Rong Jing, the fencing champion at the 2012 London Paralympics. I believe her spirit and image will represent the Chinese athletes at these Paralympics well.” The care and support she received from the leaders and everyone else enabled Rong Jing to fulfil her potential and win a gold medal at the Rio Paralympics. Her experience shows disabled people they should never give up hope and stop making efforts, and that their dreams are attainable.
By OUC WeChat Official Account