Already a Paralympic and world champion who has posted 19 world records, Chinese powerlifting legend Tan Yujiao is now aiming for much more than just reaching the podium at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. 
At world championships, from 2014 to 2023, she has collected four world titles.
She also won gold both at 2014 and 2018 Asian Para Games and, throughout her years of glory, has broken powerlifting world records in her category an astonishing 19 times.
Her journey even seems surreal to Tan herself.
"My career already spans more than 20 years, as I started practicing the sport when I was a teenager. I always remember, when I was a little girl at school, I could not even attend PE classes due to my disability. But look at me now, I'm a national team veteran who has won honors for my country," Tan added.
"If I could travel back in time to meet the girl who cannot even enjoy PE class, I would tell the younger version of myself, 'Be patient and have confidence, because there will be many beautiful things waiting for you in the future. You will shoulder responsibilities, but you will also make many people proud.'"
Tan still remembers how thrilled she was when she broke the world record for the first time at a competition in 2013, and in the following years, competitions, however big or small, were more about challenging herself. But age has changed all that.
"I used to have things relatively easy because I had barely any strong rivals at that time. So I was just challenging myself over and over again," said Tan.
"But now, with age and injuries, it's inevitable that I have to face more challenges. It's a common problem that all high-level athletes have to face. And younger athletes provide greater competition.
"But this is life, right? You climb a mountain, you reach the top and then you come down. This is same for everyone.
"I want to tell the dream chasers that we all may need to fight against the storm in our lives, but to cherish all those moments. They provide the power for me to face my future with courage."