Sang Lan, known as the "Queen of Vault," was paralyzed at the age of 17 and later claimed $1.8 billion in compensation. Here's how she is doing now.
Born in Ningbo, Zhejiang in 1981, Sang Lan started practicing gymnastics at a young age and entered the national team at the age of 12. Her talent was evident to all, and at 16, she won the national vault championship, earning her the title of "Queen of Vault." During her time with the national team, Sang Lan frequently represented China in international competitions, often achieving first or second place, making her a rising star in the gymnastics world.
However, tragedy struck when Sang Lan suffered an accident during training for the Fourth American Goodwill Games. Despite immediate medical attention, she was diagnosed with spinal fractures and paraplegia below the chest, requiring her to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. This devastating news left Sang Lan and her parents in tears, but also filled her with anger.
Believing that the organizers were responsible for her paralysis, Sang Lan sued the American Gymnastics Association and the event organizers, seeking a staggering $1.8 billion in compensation, one of the largest personal injury claims in history. Despite reports from Xinhua News Agency stating that it was not the fault of others, Sang Lan persisted in her legal battle, which became a high-profile case involving two countries.
While the lawsuit was ongoing, Sang Lan's physical condition gradually improved, and she did not give up on public appearances. She became the first Chinese person to host the lighting ceremony for the Empire State Building in Times Square and actively participated in events related to the Paralympic Games. Sang Lan even hosted programs for Star TV, which is why many people recognize her. Due to her influence in China, Peking University admitted her into their journalism department.
In 2008, Sang Lan was seen among the torchbearers for the Beijing Olympics, a dream come true for her, although in a different capacity than she had originally hoped. The pressure mounted as her case remained unresolved.
In 2011, after years of legal proceedings, Sang Lan reached a settlement with the American Gymnastics Association, receiving a substantial compensation, though not the billions initially claimed. The settlement provided some closure for Sang Lan and her family.
After successfully winning her case, Sang Lan married her long-time boyfriend three years later, enjoying a happy married life. However, the controversy surrounding her case has not fully subsided. Both American and Chinese authorities continue to investigate the incident. Xinhua News Agency published an article questioning Sang Lan's allegations, suggesting that there was insufficient evidence to support her claim that the coach removed the mat, leading to her injury. American experts have also re-evaluated the accident, attributing it primarily to Sang Lan's own operational errors.
As a result, Sang Lan faced public criticism, with some accusing her of feigning pity and deception. Despite this, Sang Lan continues to contribute to society, helping other disabled individuals and living a happy life with her family.
In conclusion, while the debate over whether Sang Lan lied continues, the fact remains that she is paralyzed and unable to pursue her dreams. She has dedicated herself to serving her country and assisting others, and we should not overly criticize her for her actions.
