A physics whiz with an imperfect body – people can easily associate the story of Shao Zhenwei, a Chinese student born with muscular dystrophy, with that of Stephen Hawking. /Zhejiang Online Photo

Although the 19-year-old has a long way to go before he becomes a world-famous physicist, Shao has become an inspirational figure in China after he sailed through the country’s fiercely competitive college entrance exam and was admitted to Hangzhou Dianzi University. / Zhejiang Online Photo

Shao’s illness keeps him in a special wheelchair. His mother feeds him and takes him to school every day. / Zhejiang Online Photo

Weighing less than 25 kilograms, Shao was one of the top students at his middle school. / Zhejiang Online Photo

He says he wants to delve into quantum physics and artificial intelligence. / Zhejiang Online Photo