Overcoming Shadows: The Inspiring Journey of Liu Zixu
As a child, Liu Zixu was camera shy. The aftermath of a car accident left him without the use of his legs, casting a long shadow over his early years. For a long time, he preferred to avoid the camera lens, feeling unworthy of capturing memories. Fast forward to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, and Liu’s story of resilience has taken a remarkable turn. With a confident, relaxed smile, he now embraces the spotlight not just as a participant, but as a champion.
Triumph in Milan-Cortina
On March 10, 2026, during the Para Cross-Country Skiing Men’s Sprint Sitting event in Tesero, Italy, Liu showcased his extraordinary talent. He captured the gold medal in the men’s 12.5km sitting biathlon, finishing with a commendable time of 34 minutes and 38.1 seconds. This victory marked Liu as the first Chinese biathlon athlete to win gold at two consecutive Winter Paralympics—a milestone not just for him, but for the entire nation.
Just two days later, he added a second gold to his collection, becoming the first Chinese athlete to claim victories in two major events at the same Paralympic Games. Such achievements reflect not only Liu’s athletic prowess but also his indomitable spirit.
A Harrowing Path to Glory
The road to this success, however, was filled with obstacles. Liu’s struggles began with mental and physical hardships stemming from his childhood accident. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2013 when he joined a para-archery team in Shaanxi Province. The four years spent honing his shooting skills provided Liu with more than just technical abilities; they instilled in him a calm mindset critical for competition.
Liu did not stop at archery. In a bold decision that would shape his future, he transitioned to winter sports. His determination led to a historical triumph at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, where he won China’s first gold medal of the Games, as well as the country’s first in a snow event ever.
Battling Adversity in Milan-Cortina
Liu came into the 2026 Winter Paralympics under significant pressure, carrying the weight of expectations from supporters and fans alike. Complications emerged as he battled an old shoulder injury and the symptoms of a cold just before his events began. Though he managed to secure a bronze in the men’s 7.5km sitting biathlon, the experience was bittersweet. He pushed through the race on sheer willpower but reflected on the struggle with satisfaction rather than disappointment, buoyed by encouragement from his family.
Their words rang true: “Winning bronze while dealing with injuries and illness is already very good.” Liu took this to heart as he prepared for his next competition.
A Masterclass in Focus and Technique
On the day of the 12.5km event, Liu displayed remarkable tenacity. Initially running in third place before entering the final shooting stage, he surged ahead with unwavering focus. Liu’s marksmanship shone brightly as he avoided any penalties during the shooting stages, extending his lead to ultimately secure gold.
Crucial to his performance was the team’s preparation strategy, which included high-altitude training in Inner Mongolia and the expertise of foreign ski technicians who fine-tuned the equipment according to varying snow conditions. This meticulous approach underscored the importance of teamwork in achieving individual success.
The Roller Coaster of Competition
Even amidst his victories, the journey was anything but predictable. Liu was eliminated in the semifinal round of the men’s sprint sitting event but found himself in the finals due to a competitor’s foul. Remarkably, he clocked in at two minutes and 28.9 seconds, just 0.7 seconds ahead of Brazil’s Cristian Westemaier Ribera, making the moment even more exhilarating.
Liu described his feeling as akin to a roller coaster, emphasizing the emotional ride that accompanies competitive sports. “I don’t even have time for adjusting my mindset; the result is so amazing,” he said, conveying his sense of disbelief and joy.
Continuous Growth and Learning
Despite his three gold medals from the Winter Paralympics, Liu approaches each race as an opportunity for growth. “I always learn from my opponents and teammates,” he articulated. Each competition offers him a chance to push his limits and strive for improvement, showcasing the mentality of a true champion.
The transformation of Liu Zixu from a camera-shy child to a gold medal-winning athlete serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience, determination, and the power of sport to overcome adversity. His achievements are a testament to what can be realized when one does not shy away from challenges but faces them head-on.