Feature: Giant in pool and life

Source: Xinhua | 09-15-2008 16:10

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- An awkward moment happens after a medal presenter hangs the gold medal around the neck of Chinese Paralympic swimmer He Juquan.

Next comes up the flower presenter, who hands the bouquet to the champion and suddenly realizes what a big mistake he has made -- in the long sleeves of He's jacket there are no arms.

Silence befalls the swimming venue. Everyone feels embarrassed except the armless champion swimmer.

He stoops and inclines his head a bit, suggesting the presenter put the flowers under his jaw. When the presenter obliges, he uses his jaw to steady the bouquet on the shoulder and stands up, flashing a broad smile to the audience.

People on the stands go wild at once, giving a standing ovation to the true hero.

He Juquan has shaken off such an awkward moment in the Beijing Paralympics, just as he did it Athens four years ago.

The 30-year-old swimmer has taken part in three Paralympics since Sydney 2000. Beijing will be his swansong show. As a quadruple gold medalists in Athens four years ago, He failed to repeat the feat at home.

In his favorite 50m backstroke, He failed to defend title. With both arms amputated, He swooped down like a dolphin and touched the wall with his head.

But he was "outtouched" by Brazilian Daniel Dias, who has arms, by 0.15 seconds.

"I felt sorry for my supporters, I let them down," said a disappointed He.

He's first gold came in 4X50m freestyle last Thursday. His desperate spurt in the third leg propelled his teammates to victory.

"It's the power of unity. It's the teamwork fight. We have the same belief and we deserve the victory," said the exhausted He, with tears welling up in his bloodshot eyes. He had swum in two feats and a final on the same day before the relays.