Cyclist Li claims China's 1st gold at Paris Paralympics

Li Zhangyu (L) and Liang Weicong of China compete during the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/He Canling)

PARIS, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cyclist Li Zhangyu claimed the nation's first gold medal by beating his compatriot Liang Weicong in the men's C1 3,000m individual pursuit gold medal match at Paris Paralympics here on Thursday.

In the Paralympic C1 3,000m individual pursuit event, Li, 36, had taken a silver at London 2012, a gold at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Furthermore, this is the fifth gold in his Paralympic tours.

"The gold medal made up for my regret at Tokyo 2020," Li said. "I thought about breaking the world record, but I didn't expect I could surpass it that much."

Li upgraded the new world record by over 4 seconds in the qualifying with a time of 3:31.338 and advanced to the gold medal match with Liang, ensuring a gold medal for the Chinese delegation before the final.

Li did not know before the match that he would win the first gold medal for China. "I am very excited to hear that. It's a huge honor for me."

Li Zhangyu of China competes during the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Li Zhangyu of China competes during the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Li Zhangyu of China celebrates after winning the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Li Zhangyu of China competes during the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Li Zhangyu (L) of China celebrates after winning the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Li Zhangyu (L) of China celebrates after winning the men's C1 3000m individual pursuit final of para cycling track at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/He Canling)