Sang Lan with Strength and Courage

About Sang Lan

Born in 1981, Sang was a former member of China National Womens Gymnastic Team. She was paralyzed in 1998 while representing China at the Goodwill Games in the United States. Before her injury, she had won titles in horse-vaulting in many national gymnastic competitions.

Since 2002, she has been hosting the programme Sang Lan 2008 on Star TV, a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch’s The News Corporation Limited. She entered the School of Journalism and Communication of Peking University in 2002, graduating in July 2007.

 

Sang Lan, a gymnast who was paralyzed in a Goodwill Games accident in 1998 in the United States, speaks about support, recovery, and her passion for life and the Olympic Games.

 

Beijing 2008: You must have suffered a lot because of the Goodwill Games accident.

Sang Lan: I will never forget it. When I awoke, I found myself lying in bed in a hospital. I couldn’t move at all, and two tubes had been placed in my throat through my nostrils. Even breathing was painful. I asked a doctor to give me an injection so that I could get some sleep. After the injection, I fell asleep, but for only about 10 minutes. Still, I thought it was a long time, and I felt very happy.

How can you always smile despite the great pain?

When I woke up in the hospital, I saw many people surrounding me, and I saw the sun rising. It felt good at that moment. I believe it worked wonder for me. So many people were making efforts to help me, so I shouldn’t cry.

At that time did you ever imagine you would be one of China's bidding ambassadors for the 2008

Olympic Games?

No, I didn’t expect it. I was very excited when BTV told me the good news. I was a bit doubtful as at that time only Jackie Chan had been selected as a bidding ambassador. I wasn’t sure about this until Liu Jingmin, the then vice-president of the Beijing Bidding Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, gave me my certificate. 

Many people from both home and abroad were impressed by your strong will.

When I received treatment in America, some people asked me why I didn’t cry. At first I cried, but later I felt I was lucky. They thought I was very independent, as I tried to do everything I could by myself during the treatment. So they praised me.

As an image ambassador, you must be very busy.

I remember we got up at five in the early morning to shoot the bidding film for the 2008 Olympic Games. I also participated in shooting a film for the Paralympic Games. I was an athlete, and I think I have more understanding about the Olympic and Paralympic Games than ordinary people. I’m willing to do whatever I can to promote the Olympic and Paralympic Games in China.

Where were you when Beijing won its Olympic bid in 2001?

I was at the China Millennium Monument watching the large screen. When the former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch announced the result, people around me were jubilant. My first thought was to stand up from the wheelchair.

Do you feel it is a pity that you cannot compete in the Olympic Games?

As an athlete I really wanted to be champion and to win gold medals. It was my dream to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. Before getting injured, I was the top athlete in horse-vaulting on the National Women Gymnastic Team. Still, I can participate in the Olympic Games in other ways, and I feel satisfied.

You have been recommended as a 2008 Olympic Games torchbearer. How would it be different from your experience as an Athens 2004 Olympic Games torchbearer?

In 2004, it was first planned that the torch would be fixed to my wheelchair, but I insisted on holding the torch in my own hand. I believe the torch relay is very sacred. A photograph of me holding the torch is displayed in the most prominent place in my home.

I have a dream to be the main torchbearer in 2008. The idea came from the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, when Muhammad Ali, who was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, lit the flame with his shaking but determined hands. I want to be the person who will light the 2008 Olympic Games flame. I cannot take part in the Games, but in my heart lighting the flame equals to winning a gold medal.

You’ve graduated from Peking University, and you’re a special correspondent of China Olympic Committee official Web site. What’s your dream now?

My biggest dream is to be a UN publicity ambassador. I want to help refugees in Africa do some other practical things in different parts of the world. I also want to interview wives of presidents in different countries. These are my dreams.

It is heard that you love to dress up. Do you often

go shopping?

I think all girls love to dress up. I do make-up by myself before taking part in public events. Although my hands are almost numb, with practice, I can hold my cosmetics. I don’t often go shopping as there are too many people outside. I sometimes buy things via Internet.

I’ve seen many Barbie dolls in your home, and your photos with Hong Kong singer-actor Andy Lau and kung fu star Jackie Chan.

I’m interested in many things. I love Korean TV serials. I also have photos with Celine Dion and the “Super Man” couples that were taken in America.

You must have learned a lot at university.

Yes, but above all I’ve learned self-examination. Teachers and students helped me a lot. Now I often go back to Peking University to attend public events. I graduated this July, and when I saw my name on the graduates’ list I felt quite happy.

Many people visit your blog, but how can you manage a blog since your hands are almost numb?

I love blogging: it allows people to learn more about me, about my current activities. More importantly, I hope more people will learn about the Olympic Games and sports via my blog.

It is indeed difficult for me to write for the blog. I use a special device fixed to my joints to help me type on my computer. I hope more children can learn about the Olympic Games and a foundation I am creating via my blogging. I’m willing to do whatever I can to contribute to society.