Secrets Behind the Gold Medals: Why Can China Take a Dominant Position in the Paralympic Games?

Authors

  • Yongshun Wang
  • Anlu Yang
  • Xiaolei Kang

Keywords:

Paralympic Games, elite sport for IWD, gold medals

Abstract

In 1984, China participated in the Paralympic Games for the first time. Over the past 3 decades, China has gradually grown into a “super power” that has won the majority of gold medals of the Paralympic Games from a “weak nation” in terms of elite sports for disabilities. Looking back at history, we should fully recognize the achievements. The study suggests that the reason why China takes a dominant position in the Paralympic Games lies in its 1) foundation of mass sport for IWD; 2) stable organizational management structure and the mission-oriented organization that prepares for the Paralympic Games in a targeted way; 3) strong competitive level supported by the training system, human resources, competitions, and venue facilities; 4) and incentives that encourage athletes to train hard for better results. The study also finds that currently China’s national team for IWD faces such problems as lack of long-term, systematic, and effective training, insufficient scientific research investment, low-tech equipment, the “Matthew Effect” in project development, and regional development imbalance.

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Published

2020-03-05

Issue

Section

Feature Articles