Published : 2024-09-10
When it comes to Hong Kong's history in the Paralympics, the most familiar face and name is undoubtedly So Wa Wai (蘇樺偉), who has won six gold medals in running events and broken world records five times.
So Wa Wai overcomes physical disability to unleash running potential
Hong Kong started participating in the Paralympics since 1972 and so far has garnered a significant 126 medals (40 gold, 37 silver, and 49 bronze) across the past 12 competitions. So Wa Wai, with 12 medals at five Paralympics, has notably contributed to this tally.
Since his childhood, So Wa Wai has suffered brain damage from jaundice, resulting in spasms and hearing impairment. He mentioned that he was good at running from a young age. But, in his mother's eyes, he was unsteady on his feet, often falling down, so she never imagined he had a talent for running.
Read more: Lee Lai shan won Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal
So Wa Wai won first Paralympic gold in relay running
In 1994, at the age of just 13, So Wa Wai was discovered by Coach Poon Kin Lui (潘健侶). He was invited to join the Paralympic training programme because of his potential in running.
Due to So’s relatively poor balance, training was extremely challenging for him. However, with his strong determination, So eventually overcame his physical obstacles and achieved excellent results.
The 1996 Atlanta Paralympics was So Wa Wai's first participation in the Paralympics. He was responsible for the final leg in the 4x100 relay.
At just 15 years old, he had no concept of competing for a gold medal at the time. He had only one thought in mind: finish the race quickly so he could return to the Olympic village for a soft drink.
As a result, he outran all his competitors and won the Paralympic 4x100 gold medal for Hong Kong.
This gold medal marked the beginning of the extraordinary chapter in So Wa Wai's life. In the following four Paralympics from 2000 to 2012, he won another five gold, three silver, and three bronze medals in running events. He said, "This is a recognition of me and a show of support for my efforts."
So Wa Wai encountered a setback at 2008 Paralympic Games
Although So has won numerous awards at the Paralympics, he also faced times when the pressure was almost unbearable.
In 2008, during the Beijing Paralympics, So was a favourite in the 100m sprint but ended up losing the gold medal and settling for bronze.
At that time, he was very distressed. But he overcame the pressure and resentment, and later won the championship in the 200m event, even setting a new world record.
Read more: Lee Wai Sze won two medals consecutively at the Olympic Games
"People think he walks slower than others, while he runs faster than everyone else."
The story of So Wa Wai, from an unknown boy to the international stage, has inspired countless disabled athletes and their families. He conveyed to disabled athletes that even if they lose at the starting line, the most important thing is to stick to the belief of "never giving up and sticking to the end", and exert their maximum effort to perform at their best.
