Xie Junwu is a remarkable wheelchair athlete known for his determination. He has climbed mountains, finished marathons, and now enjoys skateboarding. For years, Xie has been breaking records and pushing limits with his wheelchair skills. Now in his middle age, he is supporting others at what is believed to be the first wheelchair skateboarding training center in China, helping them gain confidence in their abilities. He often shares his belief that enduring tough times will lead to brighter days.
At 19, Xie experienced a life-changing accident when he fell from a tree during a geology internship, injuring his thoracic vertebrae and leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Feeling hopeless, he spent eight years at home without venturing out alone, while his mother took care of him fully. After promising to seek independence, it was the death of his mother in 2000 that motivated him to act on that promise.
In 2004, Xie attended a spinal cord injury gathering and witnessed someone performing a ‘wheelchair wheelie.’ Inspired, he started watching videos online of individuals doing advanced wheelchair tricks, including stair navigation. Despite facing many falls, he successfully completed the longest wheelchair wheelie in 2012, covering 25.8 kilometers (about 16 miles), an achievement recognized by Guinness World Records. Over the next ten years, Xie climbed Mount Huangshan four times and participated in 32 marathons, including the New York City Marathon.
In 2014, he experimented with skateboarding, modifying a board with metal rails to keep his wheelchair’s wheels aligned while he maneuvered left and right. Although it was challenging, he put skateboarding on hold to focus on marathons. In November, he discovered a new training area in Nanchang that featured a smooth courtyard, ideal for practicing wheelchair skateboarding.
Once he became skilled and gained recognition through viral videos, Xie established a sports rehabilitation clinic called the Nanchang City Hope House. He explained that such activities strengthen muscles, improve heart health, and boost the immune system. Xie has aspirations of hosting a wheelchair skateboard competition in China, a goal he describes as “small” but significant.
What do you think about Xie’s journey and achievements?
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Source: Good News Network, by Andy Corbley