When Kian Honguan, a young girl living in the Chinese province of Yunnan, was just 4 years old, she experienced a tragic accident – she was hit by a truck. Rushed to the hospital, Kian underwent a complex surgery that saved her life, but her legs couldn’t be saved, and they were amputated. From that moment on, Kian’s life took a different turn.
Coming from a financially challenged family, Kian’s parents couldn’t afford expensive rehabilitation for their daughter after such a traumatic incident, let alone purchase prosthetics for her. Kian’s grandfather found a unique solution. He cut a basketball in half so that the girl could insert part of her body into the other half. Everyday door handles became her support during movement. This arrangement allowed Kian to go outside, play, and interact with her friends.
News of Kian’s story spread widely. Media outlets dubbed her the “basketball girl.” Her life inspired many people with disabilities not to give up, pursue their goals, and enjoy life.
Due to the publicity, donations were collected for Kian to acquire prosthetics. This provided her with the opportunity to attend school and successfully complete her primary education. For further education, funds were needed, but her parents couldn’t afford it at the time. Kian returned to her family’s farm and found the only group in her province teaching swimming to people with disabilities.
In interviews, Kian described the incredible difficulty of staying afloat without legs. She constantly struggled with drowning, but she persevered. In 2009, she made headlines again, this time for winning two silver and one gold medal at the Paralympic Games. A year later, Honguan brought three more prestigious awards to her region.
In 2011, on the eve of crucial competitions, Kian’s grandfather passed away, dealing a significant blow to the young athlete. She managed to win only a bronze medal that time. She then took a break from sports and went to live with her parents. In 2014, she returned to swimming and once again earned recognition with a medal for the 100-meter swim at the Paralympic Games.
Today, Kian has become an adult and continues her involvement in swimming. She boasts numerous accolades and remains resilient in pursuing her goals, inspiring many with her zest for life. Occasionally, in memory of her beloved grandfather, Kian uses not only her prosthetics, which she earned through her achievements, but also the same basketball that once instilled in her the belief in a brighter future.
