A story of true grit and hope, this woman was one of the runners at the recent 2013 Shanghai International Marathon. A double amputee, Liao Zhi ran with a big smile on her face and her two prosthetic legs carrying her.

Chinese have come to know her as the dance teacher who hasn’t given up despite losing both her legs and two of her family members in the massive 2008 Sichuan earthquake when she was 24. Not only does she continue to choreograph and dance, she volunteered with relief efforts after another earthquake in Sichuan earlier this year.

Back at the marathon, she did not just participate. She made it all the way through the 5 kilometers to the finish line. An enduring image of what determination and a cheerful attitude can accomplish.