"Coach" son accompanies disabled mother to Paralympic podium

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-15-2008 13:39

Sunday was the traditional Chinese Mid Autumn Festival, a time meant for family reunion. For many of the foreign athletes at the ongoing Paralympic Games, their relatives and friends have also come to Beijing to share with them their great moments on the field.

She won the gold with a new world record time of 16.32 seconds.

CCTV reporter tells us how a young boy accompanied his disabled mother all the way to the Paralympic podium.

This is Mexican track and field athlete Perla Bustamante, and this is her 20-year-old son, who is also her assistant coach. Perla registered for three Paralympic categories: the T42 long jump, shotput and the women's 100 meter.

However, the first two events didn't favor Perla. Feeling disappointed and emotional, she went to hug her son, and burst into tears.

And here she is, standing at the 100-meter starting line. This is also her last hope to grab a medal at the Beijing Paralympics. But being 25 years older than the youngest competitor in the category, she said she was already prepared for the outcome.

Perla Bustamante's son

But the Bird's Nest has finally proven to be a lucky place for the brave mother who should have never underestimated herself. She won the gold with a new world record time of 16.32 seconds. And this time, it was her son who ran to give a big hug to his mother.

Perla's story touched many spectators at the Stadium. With confidence in yourself and support from loved ones, nothing is impossible.

Editor:Zhang Ning