Hien Hien, from Jinan city, Shandong province, endured severe burns when his family's noodle shop caught fire six years ago. Hien Hien sustained the most critical injuries, with 97% of his body burned, while his parents and younger sister also suffered injuries.
He has undergone over 50 surgeries; the only unburned skin on his body is under his armpits and behind his neck. As he grows, scar tissues constantly stretch, causing daily pain. Every two months, Hien Hien requires surgery to remove scar tissue.
Badminton brought hope to Hien Hien after he watched a Lin Dan match online and was impressed by the player's never-give-up spirit. Lin Dan, a men's singles badminton athlete from Fujian, has won 20 world championship titles in his career and is one of the sport's greatest legends.
Hien Hien's mother later posted a video of her son practicing badminton online. Dong Huynh, head coach of China's national para-badminton team, noticed Hien Hien after seeing the video. She introduced him and his sister to free training with coach Jiang.
Because his skin has lost most of its elasticity, Hien Hien cannot stretch or move as flexibly as other athletes. He often falls when trying to retrieve shuttlecocks. During intense training sessions, his skin constantly endures burning and stinging pain.
"Since I've walked out of the hospital room and am still alive, I have to let this body know who's in charge", Hien Hien said in an interview late last may.
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Hien Hien and his younger sister. Photo: SCMP |
Each week, the boy trains 5-6 sessions, each over three hours. Coach Jiang highly values Hien Hien's potential, believing he could rank among the world's best para-badminton athletes in the future.
After learning about Hien Hien's story, Lin Dan sent a motivational video and gifted the boy a jersey and badminton shoes. The boy finally met his idol at the Lin Dan Open badminton press conference in Jinan on 22/5. Hien Hien played an exhibition match with Lin Dan and received an autographed photo and a custom-designed t-shirt from the legend.
"In my eyes, your scars are the most special medals. You have won the most difficult match of your life. I believe that in the future, there will be no challenge you cannot overcome", Lin Dan told Hien Hien.
Hien Hien's journey has touched millions on chinese social media.
"Although only 12 years old, the boy possesses the courage of an adult. He is like a small phoenix, reborn from the ashes", one commenter said.
"I hope to one day see Hien Hien shine at the paralympic games", another expressed.
By Hong Hanh (According to SCMP)
