Wheelchair fencer Gu Haiyan and weightlifter Qi Yongkai will carry China's flag at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Wednesday evening. Both athletes are eager to strive for excellence and bring glory to their nation as the Games begin.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as a flagbearer," said 25-year-old Qi. "It's a symbol of trust from my country and comes with great responsibility. I am representing not only myself but also my country and the spirit of the Chinese people with disabilities."

Qi began weightlifting training at 14 and made his Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where he clinched the men's 59kg gold. He continued his success at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, winning gold with a new Asian record of 194kg. The defending champion now feels more confident and mature in his sport and is ready to surpass his best performance in Paris.

"Hard work pays off. No matter what you do, as long as you put in the effort and dedication, you will see results," Qi reflected on his journey from Tokyo to Paris. "Tokyo 2020 was my first Games, and I lacked self-assurance at that time. But now, I believe in myself more than ever."

For Qi, the challenge is not just about competing with others but also about constantly pushing his own limits. "As athletes, we are not just competing against others; we are constantly challenging ourselves."

Gu, 24, a Paralympic champion from southwest China's Sichuan Province, has been involved in wheelchair fencing for a decade. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, she secured two gold medals in the individual foil (category-A) and women's team foil events. Gu continued her dominance at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, winning five gold medals and one silver. She is set to compete in three individual events - foil, epee, and sabre - as well as two team competitions in foil and epee at the Paris Paralympics.

At the age of nine, Gu lost her left leg in a car accident, which left her feeling isolated and depressed. Everything changed in 2014 when fencing entered her life, helping her regain confidence and find a sense of purpose.

"I feel so excited and surprised to be a flagbearer. I did not expect it because so many great athletes in our delegation are better than me," Gu shared with a shy smile. "I was overjoyed when I heard the news. That joy was beyond words, and I shared the news with my family immediately. They were all so proud of me."

Gu's preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympics involved rigorous training, including trips abroad to participate in international tournaments to maintain her competitive edge.

"I kept competing to gain experience during my preparation. I got some injuries in training, but I have been taking breaks to recover over the past year. I'll do my best to stay in good shape for the Games," Gu said.

"To be a flagbearer is not just my honor but also our wheelchair fencing team's honor. I will carry this pride and strive at the Paralympics to win glory for my country," she added.