Jiang starts swimming since 2002. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The Paris Paralympics opened on Aug 28, with seasoned swimmer Jiang Shengnan from Tonglu county, Hangzhou, among the 284 athletes representing China.

Jiang made her first Paralympic appearance 20 years ago. After coming out of retirement, she won gold and set a new Asian record in the women's 50m freestyle S8 at the 19th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year.

Jiang's journey began in 2004 at the Athens Paralympics, and she has since competed in Beijing, London, and Rio, where she secured a gold and a bronze medal. Now 33 and a mother, she is set to compete in four events in Paris, including the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

Her husband, Song Maozhu, a former swimmer himself, expressed deep admiration for her dedication, noting the challenges of maintaining a 20-year career in a demanding sport. As Jiang prepares for her fifth Paralympics, Song, along with their daughter, plans to be there to support her, emphasizing that simply reaching the Paralympic stage is a remarkable achievement.

Jiang wins a gold medal and sets a new Asian record in the women's 50m freestyle S8 at the 19th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]