Sports
12:49, 19-Mar-2019
Gao Hongliang grabs silver at 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games
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China's Gao Hongliang won silver in the men's 5,000 meters at the ongoing 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Even though he missed the gold by just 0.47 second, the silver finish is a breakthrough for Gao, who was born with defects in his foot.
Incidentally, this was Gao's first time participating in the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
After a fast start, he settled in just behind the runner from Saudi Arabia and went on to cross the finish line second in 26 minutes 56.27 seconds.
Gao was born to an aged father and a mother with intellectual disabilities.
He had to shoulder all of the family responsibilities after his mother died in a car accident. He continued to train despite these challenges.
His coach Liu Cheng said, "When he is running, especially in a competition, his eyes are looking forward. There's nothing in his eyes except going forward.
"He is a diligent, determined and hardworking man. More often than not, I just accompany him in his training. I also help him lead a better life and improve himself so that he can integrate into society."
Gao's athletic pursuits have been challenged by his feet, which have defects in the arch that prevent him from wearing track shoes. However, he still ran seven to eight hours a day while carrying weights in his backpack to build his endurance. This made his accomplishment after years of hard work more impressive.
Next, Gao will compete in the men's 10,000 meters and 4x100 relay at the event in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.