Through years of competition, China's powerlifter Tan Yujiao and her idol Fatma Omar of Egypt have shared a close bond.
By sportswriters Hu Jiali and Liu Yangtao
PARIS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- After winning her third consecutive gold in the women's 67kg powerlifting event at the Paris Paralympics on Friday, Chinese powerlifter Tan Yujiao received an unexpected gift -- a piece of clothing given by Fatma Omar, a 50-year-old powerlifting icon from Egypt.
"Omar had always been my idol," said Tan of the six-time Paralympian, who won four gold and two silver medals. "Competing alongside my idol is both a challenge and an inspiration. It pushes me to be my best."
"At the London 2012 Paralympics, she was already famous, and I was a debutant. We hit it off right away, and she left a lasting impression on me when we first met," Tan recalled. "In London, she gifted me an Egypt team uniform. I was so happy. She felt like an older sister to me."
Tan and Omar frequently crossed paths in various competitions over the years. Their greetings were warm and genuine each time, and their friendship gradually deepened.
The two faced off in the women's 67kg final at Tokyo 2020. Tan claimed the gold with a 133kg lift, while Omar secured the silver. Omar praised Tan after the event, saying, "I am truly happy Tan won the gold medal. I believe she will achieve even greater things in the future."
Their bond remained close despite Omar's retirement from professional para powerlifting last year. Omar followed Tan's career closely, sending messages of encouragement after every victory. Tan also brought a box of Chinese tea to Omar during the Para Powerlifting World Cup in June. Omar was delighted to taste it and had a "tea-brewing lesson" given by Tan.
Omar came to Paris as part of Egypt's delegation. When Tan shattered her own world record and claimed the title, Omar couldn't contain her excitement.
"She cares deeply about my training and life, always encouraging me to keep going. She told me, 'I've competed in six Paralympic Games. This is your fourth. If you keep at it for two more, you'll catch up with me,'" Tan shared. "She has always been sincere with me, and I truly value our friendship."
As the Games drew to a close, Tan prepared a special gift for Omar -- a box of West Lake Dragon Well tea from her hometown and a handmade flower, symbolizing her best wishes for Omar's daughter's upcoming wedding and their everlasting friendship. "I hope our friendship blooms forever, just like this flower," Tan said.
From rivals to lifelong friends, Tan and Omar have shown that there is always room for friendship to flourish in sports. ■