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.
On stage at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid, she spoke openly and powerfully about her personal journey and the positive impact sport has had on her life. The young para-swimmer encouraged others to 'chase your dreams because we are capable of so much more than we imagine'.
Listen to Jiang Yuyan's speech in full below.
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