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Zhang Xiangxiang of China takes a lift during men's weightlifting 62kg Group A competition of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 11, 2008. Zhang won the gold medal in the event. [Yang Lei/Xinhua]
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Like Chen Yanqing, Zhang Xiangxiang, champion of men's 62 kg class weightlifting of the Beijing Games, is just another Chinese medalist who succeeded through years of hard work and perseverance.
The 25-year-old won a bronze medal during the Sydney Olympics eight years ago. The ambitious young man aimed for gold at the 2004 Athens Games but was struck down by a medical mistreatment a year previously.
"In 2003, I strained my waist during practice and received an anesthesia shot in my waist to ease the pain. But the nurse accidentally stuck the needle to my spinal cord. I was almost paralyzed.
"One month after recovery, I couldn't even lift 20 kg," he said, "It was very difficult for me, and for the people who had been supporting me."
Zhang resumed training in 2004, and regained his confidence when he claimed the national championship last year. The victory helped him qualify for the Olympics as another star lifter, Qiu Le, the two-time world champion, got injured at the 2007 world championships.
Bagging the gold medal in the men's 62 kg class on Monday, Zhang kneeled down four times to thank the home fans who had roared their support to him when he tried to break the world record in his third clean and jerk attempt.
Zhang was still very happy despite the failed attempt at the world record. He crouched on the platform and kissed the barbells.
"I am lucky to be standing here today. I have waited for this moment for eight years. The key thing is persistence and never backing down," Zhang said, "As long as you have life, you can create everything."