Chinese Paralympians Zhang Bian and Wang Rui ready to compete in Paris

Table tennis players Zhang Bian and Wang Rui will represent China at the 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics, with both competitors saying that taking up the sport has transformed their lives.

Zhang, who was paralyzed by polio at the age of two, started playing table tennis in 2003. She has since gone on to win seven Paralympic gold medals while competing for China, becoming a legend in the sport.

After the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games three years ago, Zhang considered retirement, with the emergence of younger athletes beginning to pose a significant challenge. But she felt empty after stepping away from the competitive stage and decided to keep playing.

With 21 years of experience in the sport, Zhang has developed a calm and composed demeanor. Despite numerous rule changes in para table tennis, she has adapted and grown stronger.

Now with Paris 2024 quickly approaching and a new generation following her example, Zhang feels determined to climb to the top once more.

"I have won three double titles, and to me, this means a lot and has exceeded many people's dreams. It has become a habit for me to go through it once a year. Looking back, I felt very miserable and tired at that time, but now I think it was nothing," Zhang said.

"Many young players said, 'you have won so many medals. Maybe you can give young people a chance, and let us also chase medals.' I said, 'young players, you can compete, but I want to realize the value of my life'," she added.

Wang Rui is a TT7 para-athlete who lost her leg in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and found new hope and purpose in table tennis.

Her positive transformation led her to China's national team, where she became a Paralympic champion.

And as she heads to her third edition of the Games, Wang is determined to achieve success in the singles event, and erase her regrets from past competitions.

"I have some regrets in the table tennis singles events from the last two Paralympics, as I did not get the results I wanted. So I still have the energy to fight hard, and want to make a bigger breakthrough in the singles events," Wang said.

"Although the preparation cycle for the Paralympics is very long, I constantly make adjustments, and always think about what pace to use to save shots. During practice, I have been strengthening my basic skills, technique, and tactics, and after playing for so many years, I have a growing desire to stand on the podium," she added.