Tan happy to bear the weight of responsibility in new role

China Daily

1st October 2024

Tan happy to bear the weight of responsibility in new role

By  Li Yingxue

Before each lift, Tan Yujiao sits quietly on the weightlifting platform, absorbing the moment, before unleashing a shout that reverberates through the arena. This ritual, she believes, helps her sync with the competition's rhythm, serving as both a release and a rallying cry.

"Every athlete on that stage faces not just their competitors, but also the challenge of surpassing themselves," she reflects.

At 33, Tan remains a formidable force, consistently pushing her own limits. Over 21 years, she has shattered the world record 21 times.

Most recently, at the Paris Paralympics, she lifted 142 kilograms in the women's 67 kg powerlifting final, beating her own personal best and clinching her third consecutive Paralympic title.