A boy in eastern China who survived catastrophic burns is battling daily pain on the badminton court, determined to become a champion like his idol Lin Dan.
Xuanxuan, 12, from Jinan in Shandong province, was asleep with his family when a fire tore through his parents’ small noodle shop six years ago, Qilu Evening News reported.
He suffered the worst injuries, with burns covering 97 per cent of his body, while his parents and younger sister were also injured.
His mother told the mainland media that burns are especially devastating for children.
Xuanxuan has survived over 50 operations, with healthy skin remaining only under his armpits and on a small patch at the back of his neck.
As he continues to grow, his scar tissue is constantly stretched, leaving him in near-daily pain.
Every two months, he undergoes surgery to remove scar tissue, an ordeal that often leaves him in tears.
A chance encounter with badminton gave Xuanxuan a new goal, and he soon began looking up to Lin Dan as his role model.
Lin, a men’s singles player from Fujian province, won 20 world championship titles during his career and is widely regarded as one of badminton’s legendary players.
Xuanxuan said he was inspired after watching a video of one of Lin’s matches online, struck by the champion’s refusal to give up until the final point.
His mother later began posting videos of him practising badminton on his own. The clips eventually caught the attention of Dong Jiong, head coach of China’s national disabled badminton team.
Dong introduced Xuanxuan and his younger sister to a coach surnamed Jiang, arranged a training venue for them and offered them free coaching.
Because his skin has lost much of its elasticity, Xuanxuan cannot stretch or move like other players. He often falls while trying to return shots.
During intense training, his skin is often gripped by a searing, stinging pain.
Still, he refuses to give up. Xuanxuan reportedly trains five to six days a week, for more than three hours at a time.
Coach Jiang has spoken highly of his potential, saying he could one day rank among the best para-badminton players in the world.
Xuanxuan told the mainland media: “Since I walked out of the hospital ward alive, I have to show this body who is in charge.”
After learning of his story online, Lin posted a video message of encouragement and sent him a badminton jersey and shoes.
On May 22, Xuanxuan met his idol at a press conference for the Lin Dan Cup Badminton Open in Jinan.
Lin gave him a signed photograph and a customised T-shirt, calling him a “little warrior”.
“In my eyes, your scars are the most special medals,” Lin told him.
“You have already won the hardest match in life. I believe there will be no difficulty you cannot overcome in the future.”
The two also played a friendly match, delighting in the game despite the score going unreported.
Xuanxuan’s journey has resonated deeply on mainland social media.
One online observer said: “He may be only 12, but he already has the courage of a grown man. He is like a little phoenix, reborn from the flames.”
“I hope to see Xuanxuan at the Paralympic Games one day,” said another. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
