Sir Philip Craven made an inspired decision when he chose Hou Bin as the ambassador of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The triple Paralympic high jump champion knows how to use the power of the media. Since becoming ambassador in January, thanks to his winning smile and a passionate belief in his work, Hou has made himself the best-known Paralympic athlete in China.
With over 120,000 visitors to his blog and dozens of media interviews he has become famous.
"I know how powerful the media is," the 33-year-old said in Beijing, while shooting a television program about the Paralympic Movement.
"It has changed my life so it will change the life of millions of disabled people in China and the rest of the world."
Hou was born to a worker's family in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and lost his left leg at nine years of age in a traffic accident. He did not take up any sport until he watched the first national Paralympic Games on television eight years later, in 1992.
"After I was injured I developed a lot of hobbies like painting, carving and calligraphy, but I never thought about becoming a Paralympic athlete," the 1.8 m tall Hou said.
"When watching the national Paralympic Games, I said to myself, 'I can do it too so why not have a try?'"
He joined the local athletics team and took up some throwing events, such as shot put, javelin and discus. Later, he was attracted to the high jump.
"I enjoy flying in the air," he said.
He trained with able-bodied athletes but worked harder and longer to overcome his physical handicap.
Four years later, Hou was selected for the national Paralympic squad to participate in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, where he won his first Olympic title. At the following 2000 Sydney Games and 2004 Athens Games, Hou hung two more gold medals around his neck.
But he didn't want to be just an athlete. He believes he has a responsibility to promote the Paralympic movement around China and encourage more disabled people to live a more active life.
"There are more than 80 million disabled persons in China but society has not paid much attention to us."
"I hope I can become an ambassador for the group and then attract more attention to us."
After completing his bachelor degree in sports management at Harbin Sports College, Hou studied journalism at Xiamen University to gain more knowledge about the field.
In January, he was honored as one of nine worldwide IPC ambassadors.
"I really like the way he speaks, full of passion and energy," IPC President Sir Philip Craven said of Hou, explaining why he was chosen.
As the first IPC ambassador, Hou is setting an example. He's not camera-shy and talks confidently in front of the media. He collects media coverage about himself and keeps in regular contact with journalists. Additionally, he gives out press releases and is a presence on the major Internet portal Sina.com through his blog.
"I am really enjoying doing these things because I like communicating with people," he said.
As well as shooting documentaries and movies, he has two tutors in Xiamen, teaching him English and singing.
A short book about his colorful life shows the highlights of his athletic career, his poems and carvings, calligraphy, photography, movies and happy family members.
"I love to see people go, `Wow!' when looking through my little book and I hope they will have a fresh idea of the life of disabled people," Hou said.
As a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee in Xiamen, he is also trying to improve the welfare of local disabled groups. Last year, his proposal helped some 200 disabled people get new, half-priced motorcycles.
He has also suggested that the Xiamen International Marathon organizers introduce wheelchair racing to the event. And that's not all.
"I will donate one of my Paralympic gold medals to the Xiamen Olympic Museum, the first Olympic Museum in China, and then auction the other two to raise funds for Chinese Paralympic development.
"I will publish my autobiography soon."
