26 years old, sprinter

“When I was racing in the Atlanta Paralympics [in 1996], I didn’t even know to be afraid. I just figured I’d experience the fun, enjoy myself, and just… run like hell!” As he recounts his most memorable race, it’s clear that 26-year-old So Wa-wai, Hong Kong's world record sprinter, who has cerebral palsy, is still brimming with excitement. “And the next moment, I was very surprised to find that I’d actually won!”

Although So might have been surprised at his success in that 4x100m relay – where he was the last runner and brought home the victory for Hong Kong – he won another gold in the 200m race in Athens, and another three in Sydney. At the recently completed Beijing games, he took bronze in the 100m and gold in the 200m. He is also the current holder of the men’s T36 class 100m and 200m world records for physically handicapped athletes, setting a new benchmark of 24.65 seconds for the latter on September 15th.

Initially encouraged to run in primary school and first competing in 1994, the support from his family down the years has been a big factor in So’s success. “Growing up, I’ve received a lot of support from my family, who have never given up on me despite my disability,” he says. “They’re always very happy with my achievements, even when I didn’t win.”

So is hopeful his and other athletes’ success will inspire the younger generation to become involved in sport. “I think the Paralympics circle can always be expanded by getting kids interested at a young age; that’s the only way to increase participation in these sports events. And as there are many different types of sports, there’s always a way to let everyone participate.” Edmund Lee