China’s Rong Jing still amazed by Brazilian people

“The Brazilian fans are the best in the world, they cheer for every athlete. I felt like I was at home during the Rio Paralympics.”

At London 2012, China’s wheelchair fencing ace Rong Jing left the British capital, with a bittersweet taste. She took Paralympic gold in the women’s epee team open but was eliminated early in the foil individual A.

Four years later, the Chinese athlete arrived at Rio 2016 stronger than ever and claimed a hat-trick of titles to help her country finish top of the sport’s medals table for a third successive Paralympic Games.

“I felt great. It was not easy to win three gold medals but I was extremely excited when winning each of them,” said Jing, who carried China’s flag at the Opening Ceremony on 7 September.

In Rio, the 27-year-old topped the podium in the women’s foil individual A, the foil team open and the epee team open.

“Four years ago, I lost in the foil event in London mainly because I was too anxious and lacked experience,” she said.

“Winning the three gold medals is great to me because it was a proof that I am more mature and that I have improved after four years of hard work.

“A positive mind was the key. There are many challenges in trainings and competitions, but you have to conquer them, calmly and with optimism.”

Besides the competition, Jing embraced Rio and what the Brazilian city had to offer.

“Rio is a city of passion and love. I think the accessibility in all the venues was perfect,” she said.

“The Brazilian fans are the best in the world, they cheer for every athlete. I felt like I was at home during the Rio Paralympics.”

Jing is hoping she can build on her success in Rio and extend her winning streak in future competitions.

“The Games are over. I became Paralympic champion but now everything starts all over again and I will need to improve my skills,” she said.