“Nothing is impossible.”
This is what 26-year-old Chen Zou proved when he climbed five of China’s most sacred mountains including Jianmen Pass, which is regarded as the country’s most dangerous mountain.
So what sets him apart from other mountain climbers?
Zou happens to be a double amputee. At the age of 13, he lost both of his legs after he fell from a train.
Using only his two hands, Zou conquered the 2,000-meter steep mountain with the help of weighted blocks and some chains. It only took him four hours to reach the peak of the Jianmen Pass despite having cliffs standing more than 4000 meters high and slopes reaching 96 degrees.
Aside from climbing mountains, Zou takes interest in singing and delivering speeches.
Watch the amazing footage of Zou’s trek here.
Famous Amputees in the World
Despite the struggles of their condition, there are many amputees who triumphed in sports, music, as well as politics. Here are their amazing stories that will inspire you.
Perhaps Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius has the most inspiring story in sports. Dubbed as “Blade Runner”, Pistorious was only 11 months old when his legs were amputated due to his condition, fibular hemimelia. Pistorius was a champion in several Paralympic games but he made his mark when he competed in the London Olympic Games in 2012. He was the first amputee to participate in such sport event.
Grateful Dead lead singer Jerry Garcia’s right middle finger was partially cut-off while his brother Tiff was chopping woods during their family vacation in Santa Cruz Mountains. This didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Tammy Duckworth lost both of her legs and arm during the Iraq war in 2004. Her condition didn’t impede her from becoming involved in politics. After serving the Army National Guard, the double amputee campaigned for support of soldiers amputees in Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In 2013, Duckworth was elected into the US House of Representatives, making her the first disabled woman in the Congress.