Chinese swimmer Zhang Xiaotong missed the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 because of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Despite surgery, she lost her vision completely. However, after three years of effort, she managed to make it back to the Paralympic Games in Paris with a stronger mind.

The 2024 Paralympics should have been Zhang's third Games if she hadn't suffered NVG in 2020. Back in 2016 in Rio, she set a new world record of 1:23.02 to win the women's 100-meter breaststroke SB11 gold medal.

The victory helped Zhang find her promise and set up a higher goal for the Tokyo Paralympics. Nonetheless, in the summer of 2020, she was diagnosed with NVG, which could result in blindness. Doctors suggested Zhang stop training to protect her eyes, but she didn't want to give up after four years of preparations.

Two months before the Tokyo Paralympics began, Zhang's condition deteriorated and had to withdraw from the Paralympics. She underwent surgery, but lost her vision in the end.

Such a setback didn't bring Zhang to her knees. She began to train for the Paralympics again. However, this time, she had even greater difficulties to overcome because she couldn't see anything at all. She needs to wear headphones to listen to instructions from her coach, who also gave her new courage.

Despite all the hardships Zhang had to battle, Zhang participated in the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, in 2023, securing two gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

"My performance at the Asian Para Games last year was impressive, and I'm content with my achievements," Zhang told China Media Group. "So as I head to the Paris Paralympics this time, I hope to once again unleash my top form, and contend for a spot on the podium."