Shao Shasha wins the PR1 women's single sculls 1,500-meter final on Nov 28. [Photo/the official news website of Taizhou]

Taizhou athlete Shao Shasha powered to victory in the PR1 women's single sculls 1,500-meter final at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games on Nov 28, securing the city's first gold medal.

Shao, born in Sanmen county in 1994, lost leg mobility at age three due to Guillain-Barre syndrome. Despite this challenge, she has consistently refused to see herself as limited, maintaining an optimistic outlook and a drive for excellence in school and work. After graduating from university in 2016, she joined the Zhejiang provincial training team and began intensive training in rowing and archery — a commitment that she has now maintained for 10 years.

Her perseverance has paid off. In recent years, she has delivered excellent performances at both national and international rowing competitions, earning multiple silver and bronze medals at the 10th and 11th National Games for Persons with Disabilities.

Shao's time of 7 min 47.25 sec in the final reflected both power and precision as she crossed the finish line. She will continue competing at this year's games, aiming for another medal in the PR1 women's single sculls 2,000-meter race as she pushes toward her long-term sporting goals.