‘It’s not our fault’: Former Chinese athlete paralyzed after brain surgery inspires others

His fans have awarded him the title of China’s most handsome athlete due to his height of 188 cm, impressive physique and striking good looks.

In November 2014, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor, which led to his first craniotomy operation.

Three months after surgery, Wu returned to college and implemented a strict rehabilitation plan, determined to regain his athletic abilities.

But two years later his condition worsened and he underwent a second craniotomy, which left him with serious complications.

Wu lost hearing in his left ear, had diminished vision in his right eye, and suffered weakness in his limbs.

In 2022, his condition deteriorated further and he required surgery again.

This time, Wu was left with hemiplegia, paralysis on one side of his body and face, slurred speech and an unsteady gait.

He shared a before and after video of his illness on Douyin that showed the once slam-dunk star now struggling to dribble a basketball. The former fashion magazine model also had a distorted and expressionless face.

Wu began documenting her journey from wheelchair to standing and independent living, aiming to encourage others with similar experiences not to blame themselves.

“Even though I lost a life that many envied, I was lucky enough to continue living in this world,” he said.

With a titanium implant in his skull, Wu can no longer do strenuous physical activity, but he remains motivated by his love of basketball.

In April last year, he made his dream come true when he walked onto a Chinese Basketball Federation court, where he had a photo taken with his idol, national team point guard Guo Ailun Chinese men’s basketball.

A therapist told Wu that his facial paralysis would improve but that he would not completely return to his old appearance.

“My features were once beautiful and are now distorted, I accept this calmly,” Wu said.

He said he thinks many young people are too fragile and break down easily emotionally.

“By sharing my experience, I hope to show that even in such adversity, one must cherish life, not complain and not give up,” he said.

The resilient and optimistic athlete has inspired many on continental social media.

“Once you were at the peak of life and fell to the lowest because of illness. But this journey has made you a true warrior,” said an online observer on Douyin.

Others shared personal stories: “I’m 38 now and had a craniotomy for Moyamoya disease, you give me hope to live,” one person said.