With the big smile and dollface, Chinese girl Xiao Cuijuan is called the sweetest gold medallist on Tuesday's Paralympic powerlifting competitions.
"So cute and adorable," said many spectators as well as foreign journalists after watching Xiao's competition.
The 22-year-old, bronze medallist of the women's 44kg category in Athens, claimed the first powerlifting gold at the Beijing Paralympics for the host, as she lifted 100kg in the event. Justyna Kozdryk of Poland took the silver in 92.5kg, the same kilogram with Zeinab Sayed Oteify of Egypt, but beat her due to weight advantage.
"Winning a gold is my dream," said Xiao, who almost met no challenges in the final. "I'm very excited. It's my best result."
"My body weight was too heavy before the competition so I tried my best to lower it gradually," Xiao said. "I did my training and competition as my coach planned for me. I want to thank my coach."
Though still quite young, Xiao has drawn world's attention since 2006, when she won the 44kg category in Powerlifting World Championships in South Korea and qualified for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
"I was looking forward to the Paralympics," said Xiao. "It gives the disables opportunities to showcase talent and also brings us happiness."
Born on April. 19, 1986, Xiao's fate was mercilessly changed when she was only one year old. She was stricken by poliomyelitis after a high fever. The lovely girl has to use crutches and wheelchairs since then.
Xiao started her powerlifting career at 14. "In 2000, I was chosen to be a powerlifter in my home city, and since then, my life has been changed," said Xiao, winner of the event in 2007 European Championships in Athens.
It's not easy for the disabled girl to be a good powerlifter. Xiao trained so hard that she has never asked for a leave for years.
"I know that if I want a success, I must do my best," said Xiao, who entered the national powerlifting team in 2001.
Xiao made her Paralympic debut in 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, where she took a bronze. "I was not satisfied about the bronze," said the tough girl. "What I want is a gold."
After four-year hard training, Xiao finally fulfilled her dream in Beijing. "This sport has brought a lot of changes to my life. The biggest one is the capacity to win honours for my country," she said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2008)