The 20th Deaf Winter Olympics Concluded with Success for Chinese Delegation
The 20th Deaf Winter Olympics came to a close on the evening of March 12 in Erzurum, Turkey, with the Chinese Disabled Persons Sports Delegation emerging as the top-performing team. The delegation secured a total of 7 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals, solidifying their spot at the top of the overall medal tally and a close second in the gold medal count.
This marks the fourth appearance of the Chinese Disabled Sports Delegation at the Deaf Winter Olympics. This year, they sent 27 athletes to compete across four major events, achieving a breakthrough by clinching their first-ever gold medals in snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The snowboard team particularly shone, grabbing 5 gold medals, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze, while the cross-country skiing team added 1 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals to their tally. In ice events, the men’s curling team secured their third gold medal at the Deaf Winter Olympics, while the women’s team took home the bronze. Additionally, the mixed doubles team, making their debut, finished in fourth place.
The Deaflympics, as one of the three major comprehensive sports events for individuals with disabilities globally, boasts a long and storied history spanning a century. With 24 Deaf Summer Olympics and 20 Deaf Winter Olympics now under its belt, the event continues to showcase the incredible talent and perseverance of athletes with disabilities from around the world.