Eight years of sport. Five Paralympic gold medals. Three world records.
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Guo Wei holds the Chinese national flag after winning the men's discus throw F35/36 at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games September 11, 2008.
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That was the level of achievement the competition faced against Chinese thrower Guo Wei Thursday morning at the Bird's Nest.
It was little wonder the 26-year-old added another gold to his collection in the men's discus throw F35/36.
"I'm in my best form I will continue to strive for more gold on the field," said Guo.
At his second Paralympics, the Shanghainese, who hopes to win 10 gold medals by the age of 40, could never have imagined his success when he was younger.
Guo seldom took part in physical education classes at school due to disabilities in his legs from cerebral palsy. But, everything changed for him when a local coach selected him to be a Paralympian in 1999, when Shanghai was preparing for the National Games for people with a disability.
Though the initial training for 100m, 200m and long jump was tough, he tried to stick it out.
"I even ran away from training thrice," Guo recalled, smiling.
In 2002, his coach suggested he switch to throwing events to take full advantage of his upper body strength.
Just two years later in Athens, Guo claimed gold medals in all three of his events: Javelin, shot put and long jump. He also swept gold medals in javelin, shot put and discuss at the 2006 World Championships in Netherlands and the 2007 National Games.
In addition to Thursday's gold in Beijing, Guo easily won and set a new record in men's javelin F35/36, on the opening day of the athletics competitions on Monday.
"Sport has changed my life, and it seems that I am reborn," said Guo. "Before that, I dared not go anywhere. But now I am more confident."
With two gold medals in his pocket, Guo said he is feeling more confident about defending his last title in the men's shot put on Sunday.
"I believe I can get another gold."
