Visually impaired masseurs turn their hands to Hyrox

On Saturday, the fitness competition drew 4,700 participants and nearly 3,000 enthusiastic spectators to the capital city, energizing the China National Convention Center.

Zhao and Jiang teamed up with members from Longyuan triathlon club, forming two four-person teams in the mixed relay division. Zhao, guided by Han, completed a two-kilometer run, alongside a 50-meter sled push and rowing one kilometer, while Jiang, under the guidance of Cui Cui, performed a 50-meter sled pull alongside the rowing and running.

Zhao had to push a 152 kg sled for 50 meters, and he struggled to keep it moving in a straight line, at one point appearing utterly exhausted. Han, standing next to him, and spectators and fellow athletes cheered him on loudly from the sidelines — shouting encouragement and advice.

"I heard everyone cheering for me," recalled Zhao.

"The race was more exhausting than I imagined, and I wasn't fully prepared, but I'm very grateful for my teammates' help and the inclusive and friendly atmosphere for us visually impaired people," he added.

Cui, whose wrist was joined to that of Jiang by a green tether, said that Jiang was particularly excited at the start of the race and ran very fast.

"I could feel Jiang was really excited and happy, running so fast that I almost couldn't keep up. The track was very wide, making it perfect for him to run freely," she recalled.

Cui reminded Jiang to maintain a steady pace. During the one kilometer rowing segment, she continuously called out the remaining distance to encourage him and boost his confidence.

Both teams successfully completed the race and they hugged, high-fived and proudly held up their medals for photos.

"I feel more confident and more curious than before," said Zhao. "I used to think many things were impossible, but now I feel, maybe, I can give them a try."