Nelson Mandella

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

25 Years of Laureus

‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

At the age of just 19, Yuyan was the outstanding star and the most decorated athlete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, winning seven gold medals from seven events, matching the feat of Laureus Academy Member Mark Spitz who won seven gold medals in the pool at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Known as the 'Flying Fish', she made an immediate impact, setting a world record of 32.59 secs in the 50 metres freestyle S6 event to win her first gold medal, before adding another six to her collection. Yuyan took up para swimming after being involved in a car accident as a child
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