Chinese athlete Xie Junwu offers an inspiring story of regained independence and skill-building. From the city of Nanchang, he turned wheelchair skills into a space for challenge and achievement, going on to set records in the Guinness World Records.
After a spinal cord injury caused by a fall, Xie began using a wheelchair. In the early years, he relied on his mother and struggled to adapt to the changes that had taken over his daily life.
But watching a video of someone balancing on the back two wheels of his wheelchair opened a new door for him. He gradually began training, learning balance, turning and movement control, and expanding his skills over time.
Wheelchair skills make it into Guinness World Records
On May 12, 2012, Xie traveled a continuous distance of 25.8 kilometers balanced on the back two wheels of his wheelchair. He set a record at the time in the Chinese city of Suzhou, with an achievement focused on sustained balance rather than speed of movement.
Guinness also documented another achievement of his on May 31, after he completed 74 spins in a manual wheelchair within one minute.
Today, his moves on the skateboard attract attention, while his journey carries a broader message. He seeks to highlight the needs of wheelchair users and encourage the creation of public spaces that are more accessible and easier to navigate.
Between training and perseverance, Xie continues to discover his potential, affirming that providing opportunities and removing obstacles helps everyone participate and achieve their ambitions with greater confidence and independence.
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