Olympic profile - Sang Lan

Three years ago Sang Lan carried the Olympic torch at the Athens Games. Next year it could be even more exciting, because the Games will be arranged in her home-country of China. "I was so lucky to take part in it before and I consider it a top honor to do it again", Sang says.

Sang was once a promising Olympic athlete with great ambitions, but nine years ago she was seriously injured in an accident. She was paralyzed from the chest down after her spine was injured. Now, sitting in a wheel chair, she still shows with lively gestures how she carried the Olympic flame.

Next year Sang will be one of the most visible persons at the Olympics, hoping to get to every venue, to see every event. She sees this as compensation for the Olympic medals she never won.

The accident

The accident occurred when attempting a forward vault in a warm-up at the Goodwill Games in New York. Distracted by a rival's coach she lost control midair and struck the ground with her head first.

She was a heroine among Chinese athletes at the time of the accident. That is the main reason why she has been able to keep her position and her popularity. She has even been a TV talk-show hostess for "Sang Lan Olympics 2008", which was a part of Beijing's bidding for the Games. She has also had a miniseries on TV about her life.

Her accident turned her into a celebrity in New York, because she started to pose with famous New Yorkers during her rehabilitation. She attended a New Year's Eve party together with former mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Tipper Gore presented her with an award for courage.

"I'll never forget my ten months in the United States, says Sang in English. Usually she prefers to give statements in Chinese.

Life after the tragedy

In the beginning of June, Sang spoke openly to the media about her injury. This was just a few days after young Chinese athletes Wang Yan and Tang Miao suffered similar spinal cord injuries. Wang broke her neck in a fall from the uneven parallel bars and Tang broke his neck in a volleyball match.

Sang still watches gymnastics competitions on TV, though people think it would make her depressed. They are afraid that it would remind her of how badly she was injured. However, that is not the case. "I just want my life to be bright", Sang explains.

Sang Lan has been a TV talk-show hostess (Image: CNS)

According to Sang, "you just need to have a very clear idea of what you are going to do next after such an accident". You might get hurt if for one split-second your mind wanders, she says. All athletes have to bear in mind that sports can be dangerous, but it is up to every individual to choose what kind of sports to practice.

Sang is taking part in lots of activities and promotions before the Olympics in Beijing and she has even found time for studies. This summer she finished her college degree in journalism. Although she can move her arms, her hands are weak. That is why she uses small sticks to type on a computer.

There are also rumors circulating that Sang might compete in table tennis at the 2008 Paralympics.