“This is my last Paralympic Games mass category competition.” On the sidelines of the badminton (mass category) competition of the 12th National Paralympic Games and the 9th Special Olympics Games, the protective gear on 43-year-old Zhang Yi’s knees was particularly eye-catching – this is her medal from more than 20 years of competing in domestic and foreign competitions. She told reporters through a sign language interpreter: “Over the years, badminton has always been my strongest support in fighting injuries and passing through the years.”
Zhang Yi on the court. Photo courtesy of the event organizing committee
As a hearing-impaired athlete, Zhang Yi’s world does not include the cheers of the audience, the crisp sound of the racket hitting the ball, and the rhythm of his footsteps rubbing the ground. She relies on touch and vision to experience the charm of sports in silence.
Recalling the starting point of his association with sports, Zhang Yi’s sign language was fluent and vivid: “I was selected by a school teacher and started my sports career. I started playing table tennis at the age of 10 and switched to badminton six years later. I was 43 years old in a flash.” From the table tennis table to the badminton court, this turn is more than thirty years of perseverance.
Zhang Yi’s WeChat avatar is a heart patched with band-aids and patchwork, just like her own portrayal. A long sports career has given her enough confidence and smile to face the original “bad things” in life.
In 2001, Zhang Yi became the first batch of Chinese badminton players to participate in the Deaflympics. At that time, the lights of the international arena illuminated her figure for the first time, and the five-star red flag on her chest was particularly dazzling in a foreign country. “Badminton has always inspired me to challenge all kinds of difficulties,” she said with firm eyes. “This love has long been integrated into my blood and has become my motivation to persevere to the end.”
Time and injuries eventually leave their mark. After undergoing two surgeries on her left knee, she transformed from a pioneer in the international arena to a persistent dream chaser in national events. Those sleepless nights due to pain are still fresh in my memory. “But this pain is no match for the heartbeat when holding the racket.” Her sign language is serious and affectionate, and every movement is full of love for badminton.
In this competition, Zhang Yi stood at the same venue where his idol Zheng Siwei had just won the 15th National Games championship. When the competition ended and she stepped off the podium with a silver medal on her chest, her future path was already clear: “I want to become a coach and tell those who come after me not to be afraid of hardship and not to be afraid of pursuing dreams.” She hopes to pass on her more than 20 years of experience to help more people like her overcome low self-esteem through sports and regain the courage to face their destiny.
Life never loses its luster due to incompleteness. As long as we move forward with love and courage, every ordinary life can shine uniquely on its own stage. At the moment when her dream comes true, what Zhang Yi wants to thank most is the people who have always supported her: “Thanks to the coach and family for their company and encouragement over the years.”
Original title: “China News Network | Silent badminton dream chaser Zhang Yi: Using silence to create a roar”
