Xiong Jun is known as the “Forrest Gump” of Chongqing after completing more than 20 marathons across China on just one left leg.
According to Shanghaiist, Xiong Jun, 28, has had polio since childhood. But with his passion for marathons and his wish to help others, Xiong has completed more than 20 long-distance races across China.
Chongqing Evening News reports that Xiong took part in five races last year. Since then, he has gone on to take part in 20 more races.
Man in his 20s with polio runs long-distance races on one leg
Xiong – the marathon runner on one leg – is known as “the Forrest Gump” of Chongqing.
“I give talks and share my running experience at schools. I also provide psychological counselling and career guidance for patients with disabilities,” Xiong says about his current work.
He and badminton star Zhang Yawen once took part together in a charity event to raise funds to help disadvantaged schoolgirls. Xiong also took part in the 2015 Chongqing International Marathon to encourage a seven-year-old boy with thalassaemia.
With his strong will and refusal to accept fate, Xiong has become a shining example for young people. More and more people are following him, taking part in marathons to improve their health.
Next year, he will organise a mountain climb in Tibet for 30 people with disabilities. He says: “I will keep taking part in races to inspire those in unfortunate circumstances to rise above themselves.”
Xiong once met a young woman when he was speaking at a school. “She asked for my phone number when my talk ended, and became my girlfriend after she graduated. She said she admired my strong will and optimistic spirit.”
Earlier this year, the story of a 49-year-old woman (in Keyuan town, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China) who can use her feet to do all the housework and even cut her husband’s hair attracted attention online.
Huong Vu – http://news.zing.vn/