S1Assignment-Final Project -Text Story
Date: 11th Feb.2025.
Project type: Text Story
Name: Jiaxin LV
Student Number & Class Number: 2341796, 11
Title：Sun Dingxuan: Telling the Story of How a Steel Leg is Forged
Location: Beijing
Beijing, Tongzhou – At dawn, passersby on streets often glimpse a lone cyclist pedaling briskly in the early light. What draws even more attention, however, is the prosthetic on his right leg. Sun Dingxuan, an ordinary man with a disability, is living proof that life’s potential knows no bounds – a testament to how a “steel leg” is forged through relentless perseverance.
Sun Dingxuan during his morning ride
The silhouette of Sun Dingxuan during his morning cycling ride
In 2004, a car accident took away his left calf while he was in the fifth grade. For him, this setback was not the end of the road. Influenced by his athletic father, he soon learned that life’s value lies not in physical perfection but in continual exploration and overcoming limitations. Rather than surrendering to fate, he adapted and gradually surmounted his physical challenges. Upon graduating high school, he was admitted to Zhengzhou Business University with outstanding college entrance exam results – leading a gateway to a broader world.
“I do not require special treatment. I wish to compete on the same footing as everyone else,” Sun states firmly. His unadorned yet resolute words affirm his strong sense of self-worth and have set an example for many facing similar hardships.
During his university years, Sun earned accolades in business simulation competitions – from the First Prize at the “College Student ERP Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” to honors at the National Business Simulation Contest. After graduation, his impressive record led him to join Mitsubishi Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company. Three years into his career, he stepped out of his comfort zone to embrace greater challenges, using short videos and new media platforms to document his travels and athletic pursuits – a genuine effort to spread positive energy.
Sun Dingxuan during indoor cycling practice
In recent years, Sun has actively participated in various sporting events, including the French PBP 1,200-Kilometer Cycling Challenge and the China Challenge on the West-to-East Cycling Route. Not only has he proven his mettle in competitive sports, but his ongoing efforts to push his physical limits also demonstrate that people with disabilities can lead rich and diverse lives. In 2022, in recognition of his spirited attitude and exceptional achievements, the Organizing Committee of the Paralympic Games invited him as a representative of the disabled community to participate in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Paralympics.
At the moment when he raised his right hand at the Bird’s Nest to display the Paralympic emblem to the world, Sun became not only a symbol of the Games but also an inspiring role model, encouraging other disabled individuals to face life with optimism and courage.
Sun Dingxuan's outdoor cycling competition trophies at home
According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2023 data, China has approximately 85.91 million people with disabilities, among whom around 17.36 million suffer from limb impairments. While many still grapple with challenges stemming from mobility, psychological, and economic constraints, Sun’s journey offers hope and motivation. Through his own struggle and triumph, he has redefined public perceptions of the disabled and underscored that success is not measured solely by one’s physical condition. As he puts it, “I win medals not to prove I am capable, but to show that you are too.”
Sun Dingxuan at badminton court
Sun Dingxuan’s story is not merely a personal triumph; it reflects the broader progress of society. His unwavering determination and continuous self-improvement have set a vibrant example for the disabled community and contributed uniquely to a more inclusive and competitive social landscape. Looking ahead, as society increasingly focuses on barrier-free infrastructure, mental health support, and equal education opportunities, more dreamers like Sun will undoubtedly shine in their respective fields – driving us collectively toward a more inclusive and progressive tomorrow.