Chinese Paralympian Heralded as National Hero

The 27 year-old Chinese amputee who fought off a Paris protestor that attempted to steal the Olympic torch from her has risen to national fame in China.  Jin Jing has been called the “angel in a wheelchair” and has been lauded on T.V. shows, in newspapers, and in online musical videos for her part in the fracas that occurred while the torch was being transported through Paris on April 7.

Numerous protestors that were demonstrating against the Chinese occupation of Tibet attempted to throw themselves at Jing.  Most were obstructed by police officers, but one demonstrator reached Jing’s wheelchair and tried to pry the torch away.  Jing’s determination in keeping the torch has made her an icon across China and many have harshly criticized the actions of the protestors.

“What shocked me the most is when someone tried to rob the torch off a wheelchair athlete, a disabled athlete who was unable to defend the torch.  This is unacceptable,” said the International Olympic Committee president on Thursday.

Jing, who lost her leg when she was nine due to a tumor in her ankle, is a member of the Paralympic fencing team.  She’s also been critical of the protestor’s actions.  “I still feel very angry now, and I think the man was irrational,” she said, adding, “We should give him some moral education.”

Some Chinese activists have called for a boycott of French goods due to the incident, while others have posted pictures of the man who harassed Jing and threatened his life.

Although the Chinese occupation of Tibet is a complicated and controversial issue, one would hope that activists on both sides would restrain from engaging in physical confrontation to make their points heard.  The Olympic Torch still has thousands of miles to travel, and many officials worry that a repeat of Paris could easily occur. 

Here’s a video of the Paris incident. 

 
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