In pursuit of Paralympic excellence

One year out from the Games, Team China's preparations benefitting from nation's successful COVID-19 fight

One year away from the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, Chinese athletes are well on track in their preparations for the event despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

China made a breakthrough at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games when it won the country's first ever Paralympic gold medal－in wheelchair curling.

Hopes are high the team can repeat the feat on home ice at the National Aquatics Center, aka the "Ice Cube", next year.

"We are eager to raise the Chinese national flag at the Ice Cube next year at the Beijing Paralympic Games and it's a goal we're trying to achieve," said Hu Junfu, assistant manager of the Chinese wheelchair curling team.

Like all athletes, the pandemic has forced China's Paralympians to tailor their preparations for the Games. But while competitive action has been severely limited, training has been as thorough as ever.

"When COVID-19 broke out, we formulated an effective program in virus prevention under the supervision of the China Disabled Persons' Federation. We provided various epidemic prevention materials including face masks and disinfectants," said Hu.