ALTHOUGH not a gold medal favorite, Zhao Ping stole some limelight for being the oldest Chinese athlete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. “I feel good,” said the 56-year-old table tennis player, who sometimes competes against players less than half his age. Zhao won 3-1 in his first match in Tokyo against Ireland’s Colin Judge, aged 26, affirming that his age would not inhibit him from his Paralympic dream. This was Zhao’s fourth Paralympic appearance. As he aged, he had to work harder than younger athletes, and he remains hopeful of competing at the next Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. Zhao finished fifth in the men’s singles, vowing to remain on the table tennis court as long as he stays fit and healthy. Having been paralyzed following a car accident in 1999, Zhao first took up table tennis to assist his rehabilitation. However, as time went by, he found confidence and happiness on the court. “I hope the Paralympics can help more people learn about the disabled community and encourage more disabled people to participate in sports and social life,” Zhao said. Zhao is among the 27 Chinese athletes participating in the Tokyo Paralympics table tennis competitions, of whom 15 are over 30 years old and more than half have competed in at least two Paralympic Games. These veterans have become the mainstay of the team. Xiong Guiyan, 45, is competing in her second Paralympics. She and her teammates finished second in Rio and this time she is aiming for a gold medal in the women’s singles. After four days of competition, Xiong has defeated four players, all much younger than her. (Xinhua) | 