Chinese paralympians raring to go

Winter Games athletes sharpen skills at ‘world-class’ Baiyin training base

With his single-layer ski suit soaked in sweat, Wang Chenyang banked another tough training session on Jan 15 as the clock ticks down to Beijing 2022.

Wang is a member of the Chinese Paralympic cross-country skiing team which, along with the biathlon squad, has assembled at the Baiyin national training base in Northwest China’s Gansu province to put the finishing touches to their preparations for the Games.

The 20-year-old Wang is set to compete at his second Paralympics, having participated in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games in South Korea, where he finished 11th in the men’s 20-kilometer cross-country skiing event.

“This is my second time to participate in the Paralympic Winter Games and I will try my best,” said Wang, who at the age of 11 lost his arms in an accident.

“The course is very professional. Training on such a course can not only enhance endurance but also improve aerobic performance,” added Wang, who described facilities at the base as

“world-class” and “meeting the needs of all athletes”.

Wang Xinglong, head of the course management team, said the track has been adapted to Paralympians’ technical skills, physical fitness and competition needs.

Huang Lingxin will make his Paralympic debut at Beijing 2022. The 19-year-old from Yunnan province has trained in cross-country skiing for three years. He said that the ski track in Baiyin is very similar to the course he will compete on at the Beijing

Paralympics. “I hope to make great efforts to improve my performance at Beijing 2022,” said Huang, adding that he has dreamed of achieving a good result at the Games.

Wang Jinyou, coach of China’s Paralympic cross-country skiing and biathlon

teams, said that with less than two months to go before the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, maintaining the fitness of athletes is crucial.

“We hope to get more medals at our home Games,” he said.

PHOTOS BY XINHUA Cross-country skiers and biathletes train in Gansu province, where they are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games, which open on March 4.

Members of China’s Paralympic cross-country skiing and biathlon teams conduct their final preparations for Beijing 2022 at Baiyin national training base, a state-of-the-art facility situated in the stunning landscape of Northwest China’s Gansu province.