On September 21, at the 2025 World Paralympic Championships held in Singapore, Jiang Yuyan, a young swimmer from Zhejiang, achieved remarkable success by winning the gold medal in the women”s S6 100-meter backstroke with a time of 1:20.13. This performance not only earned her the top spot but also established a new championship record for the event.
Jiang”s journey is particularly inspiring; at the age of three, she lost her right arm and leg in a car accident. Despite these challenges, she grew up surrounded by the love and support of her family and community, allowing her to thrive alongside children without disabilities. At the age of seven, Jiang took her first swimming lessons, embarking on a path that would lead to extraordinary achievements.
Her dedication and perseverance have been evident throughout her career. Jiang has broken three records at the Tokyo Paralympics, set six new records at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, and won seven gold medals at the Paris Paralympics. These accomplishments highlight her exceptional talent and hard work.
The documentary titled “Against the Tide,” produced by the Zhejiang International Communication Center, chronicles Jiang”s life and athletic journey. The film follows her over several years, showcasing her development as an athlete and her inspiring growth as an individual.
In April 2025, Jiang Yuyan received the Laureus Award for Best Disabled Athlete of the Year, marking her as the first Chinese athlete with a disability to achieve this prestigious recognition. “Chase your dreams, because we are capable of achieving much more than we imagine,” she confidently stated from the podium. “Life has no limits. The only rule is to break them courageously and never let yourself be defined!”
