Li Zhang

Started: She began swimming at age 14 with the Yunzhinan swimming club in Kunming, People's Republic of China. She was initially afraid of the water and practised an extra 30 minutes every day. "In the first few days of training, I didn't do anything else. I just choked water and vomited every day until I got used to it." (Athlete, 30 Oct 2023, 23 Aug 2021; sohu.com, 06 Nov 2020) Reason: She was selected to take part in swimming by the Shaanxi Provincial Sports Centre for the Disabled but was initially hesitant, and had to be persuaded to join by coaches. Swimming helped with her overall muscle development and body health. (sohu.com, 06 Nov 2020; Athlete, 03 Dec 2017) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris and the 2025 National Games for Persons with Disabilities in the People's Republic of China. (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024; sport.gov.cn, 29 Oct 2023) Awards: She has received the National March 8th Red Banner Pace-Setter award and the National May 4th Youth Medal in the People's Republic of China. She has also been awarded the National May 1st Labour Medal by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. (sport.gov.cn, 29 Oct 2023) Additional Info: FURTHER EDUCATION She has also studied at Beijing Sport University in the People's Republic of China. (Athlete, 30 Oct 2023)