From March 17 to March 26,Guo Tianci, a disabled athlete from Longhai, represented Fujian Province as the only participant in the snowboarding competition at the 12th National Disabled Games. In the men’s slope slalom SB-LL2 event, he achieved an impressive 7th place with outstanding skills and tenacity; in the men’s obstacle pursuit SB-LL2 event, he surpassed himself and secured 6th place, both setting the best historical records for disabled athletes from our province in these two events.
On April 6,
reporters interviewed
this award-winning disabled athlete
to document his unyielding journey in the Paralympics
After the competition, Guo Tianci took a commemorative photo on the field.
01Childhood Misfortune Leads to a Turning Point Through Extraordinary Perseverance
In the winter of 1996, Guo Tianci was born into an ordinary family in Xiwei Village, Fugong Town, Longhai District. His parents made a living through odd jobs; despite the lack of material wealth, Guo Tianci’s childhood was filled with a passionate yearning for life.
However, fate dealt a cruel blow when Guo Tianci was 8 years old. A fall while playing resulted in a shattered femoral head. Due to the family’s financial difficulties, timely medical treatment was not available, leaving him with severe sequelae, and he could no longer walk freely like a normal person.
“At that time, watching other children jump around while I struggled to walk was particularly heartbreaking,” Guo Tianci recalled, a hint of loneliness still in his eyes.
However, this frail boy possessed an indomitable spirit. Despite the challenges of physical disability, he displayed an extraordinary perseverance beyond his years.
The small open space in front of his house became his “training ground.” He often practiced jumping there repeatedly, wearing out a pair of sports shoes beyond recognition.
“At that time, I didn’t understand what professional training was; I just loved the feeling of moving. Every time I jumped, I felt like I was flying,” Guo Tianci said with a smile.
Looking back at her son’s efforts, Guo Tianci’s mother felt both heartbroken and proud: “This child has been sensible since he was young. Although his body is inconvenient, he has never given up and always found ways to train. As parents, we can only support him silently from the side.”
In 2015, fate finally revealed a glimmer of hope to Guo Tianci. That year, he passed the preliminary selection in the reserve talent selection for disabled athletes organized by the Longhai Disabled Persons’ Federation.
02Growing Through Hardship, Sweat Builds the Path to Success
“During the selection of disabled athletes, when I saw his calloused hands and exceptionally developed leg muscles, I knew this child had untapped athletic talent,” recalled his mentor, Xin Weizhong. “His eyes reflected a strong desire for victory, which is rare.”
Upon entering the athletics training team, Guo Tianci faced significant challenges. “At first, it was really difficult; I couldn’t perform many movements correctly, and the training intensity was high. Sometimes I felt like giving up,” Guo Tianci said. Although he said this, the “Minnan spirit” of perseverance supported him to push through.
Every day, Guo Tianci was the first to arrive at the training ground and the last to leave. His worn-out shoes bore witness to his daily 5 to 6 hours of intense training. “If others can do it, I can too. I believe that as long as I put in enough effort, there will be rewards,” Guo Tianci wrote in his training diary.
After concentrated training, Guo Tianci had the opportunity to represent Longhai at the first Zhangzhou Disabled Games. At that event, the Zhangzhou Disabled Persons’ Federation not only provided professional training guidance and comprehensive support but also created a platform for disabled athletes to showcase themselves. Thus, with no prior competition experience, he triumphed in the 100m, 200m, and 300m races, winning three championships and making a remarkable debut.
After that, Guo Tianci continued to train hard, and his results improved. In the 2021 National 11th Paralympic Games, he made his debut on the national stage.Standing on the field, Guo Tianci felt both nervous and excited: “This is my first time participating in a national competition, and I really want to prove myself, but I’m also afraid of not performing well.”
In the end, he achieved 4th and 5th places in the athletics events. Although he did not stand on the podium, this experience provided him with valuable insights and strengthened his determination to pursue higher goals.
03Embracing New Challenges, Standing Firm on the Ice and Snow Track
The 9th Fujian Provincial Paralympic Games in 2023 marked another highlight in Guo Tianci’s athletic career. In the athletics events, he excelled and won three gold medals, setting the best record for disabled athletes in Longhai District. This explosive performance caught the attention of the national team coach for the Winter Paralympics, who recognized this southern athlete’s explosive power and balance.
In the same year, the China Disabled Sports Management Center announced a need for reserve athletes for the disabled snowboarding project. Upon learning of this news, Guo Tianci immediately signed up.
“At that time, I thought this was a new challenge and a new opportunity, and I had to give it a try,” Guo Tianci said.
With the support and recommendation of provincial team coach Jia Yongchao and leaders, in October 2023, Guo Tianci was selected for the national team for the Winter Paralympics. From then on, he began his journey on the ice and snow track while retaining his summer athletics events, starting the integration of “man and board” in snowboarding.
Transitioning from the spring-like south to the icy north, Guo Tianci faced numerous challenges. The climate differences and the high difficulty of snow sports made his training journey fraught with obstacles. “The first time I stood on the snow, wearing heavy gear, I couldn’t even stand, let alone snowboard,” Guo Tianci recalled with a smile, “But I’m not afraid; I believe that with more practice, I can master the skills.”
Every day, he spent hours on the snowfield, constantly falling and getting back up. “This kid can endure so much; no matter how tiring or difficult the training is, he has never complained,” praised Li Zhipeng, coach of the Chinese disabled snowboarding team. “His love and dedication to snowboarding have led to rapid progress.”
04Shining on the Field, Achieving Great Results for Fujian
Since the winter of 2023, Guo Tianci has been training year-round in provinces like Hubei, Hebei, and Heilongjiang. In winter, he trains on natural outdoor snowfields, and in summer, he practices on indoor artificial snowfields, training for several months at a time.
Throughout this journey, he has faced many challenges but has never been alone. The care from various levels of the Disabled Persons’ Federation, the attention from all sectors of society, and the generous help from caring individuals have become his strongest support, giving him powerful wings to pursue his dreams. The city and district’s Disabled Persons’ Federation organizations have promoted the inspiring stories of outstanding disabled athletes like him, encouraging more disabled individuals to step out of their homes, engage in sports, and integrate into society.
In the 2024-2025 UEFA Euro Cup in Switzerland, Guo Tianci represented China for the first time in an international competition. Facing top competitors from various countries, he showed no fear.
“Standing on the field, I only have one thought: to give my all and bring glory to my country,”Guo Tianci said. Ultimately, he won the championship in the men’s obstacle pursuit SB-LL2 event and secured third place in the first event with an impressive performance.
While preparing for the snowboarding competition at the 12th National Disabled Games, Guo Tianci encountered difficulties with his competition equipment. Upon learning of the situation, the Longhai District Disabled Persons’ Federation, the district charity association, and the district Red Cross worked together. Mr. Fang Liancheng, president of the Longhai Beijing Chamber of Commerce and a caring entrepreneur, generously sponsored a full set of competition equipment, alleviating his urgent need. “I am really grateful to everyone; without their help, I might not have been able to compete with peace of mind,” Guo Tianci expressed his gratitude.
“When fate closes a door on me, I will open a window through hard work.” On the field of the 12th National Disabled Games, Guo Tianci once again proved himself with his strength.
In the future, his snowboarding journey will continue, and his spirit of self-improvement and perseverance will shine like a beacon, illuminating the path for more dream chasers.
April 8, 2025, Min Nan Daily, Page 5
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Source: Reporter Li Run, Text/Photo
First Review Editor: Ye Qimin, Lin Ying
Second Review Editor: Chen Xiaoyun
Duty Director: Lin Kun