Magic moments
Tears for a rival
Chinese swimming star Zhang Yufei had every reason to smile at the Hangzhou Asiad, after clinching six gold medals. But she shed tears when 23-year-old Rikako Ikee took the bronze medal in the women's 50m butterfly.
Japan's Ikee had dazzled the world by grabbing six gold medals at Jakarta 2018, before a devastating leukemia diagnosis threatened to end her promising career. However, the brave Japanese star embarked on a courageous battle against the illness and made a triumphant return to the pool.
At the world championships earlier this year, Zhang showed Ikee the words she wrote on her palm: "Be the best of yourself." And after seeing her friend going for glory again in the pool, a tearful Zhang ran over to embrace her with heartfelt congratulations.
Most Popular
- Nation's Winter Paralympics squad is its biggest ever
- China to send 70 athletes to Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games
- China announces largest-ever delegation for 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy
- Chinese men's basketball team beats Japan
- Grassroots soccer hits fever pitch in 'wild stadium'
- Team China excels on and off the field at 2026 Games





























