Key Takeaways
- Chinese paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan wins the Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.
- Jiang Yuyan’s determination and spirit inspire others with disabilities to chase their dreams.
- Jiang Yuyan lost her right arm and leg in a childhood accident but found her passion in swimming and went on to win seven gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Madrid: Chinese paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan was named the Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award here on Monday.
Jiang lost her right arm and right leg in a childhood accident, but won seven gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“I’m so excited to be here. Thank you so much for this award, it’s an incredible honor for me and all Paralympic people,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“I want to thank my coach, my family and my fans. You are always an inspiration, and I am grateful for having you by my side and believing in me,” added the swimmer, who said she hoped to inspire others who have suffered life-changing accidents or disabilities.
“I lost my right arm and leg when I was three years old in an accident – that made me who I am, but it was swimming that really shaped me,” Jiang said.
“In the water, I could move quickly and I was able to feel freedom and choose my way, so to anyone who has a disability, I want to tell you not allow anyone to say to you what you can and can’t do: chase your dreams, because you are capable of many things more than you think,” she concluded.
