Amputee student completes 1,000m run on crutches during PE exam – and teacher grants him full marks

A 17-year-old amputee student in south-west China has touched the hearts of the nation after he insisted on completing a 1,000-metre run on his crutches during a PE examination.  

The eighth-grader, named Gao Yanneng, was originally exempted from the test due to his disability and would be given a pass mark, but the teen said he had wanted to earn a better score than 60 per cent.

Awe-inspiring footage of the race shows the determined boy propelling himself forward with his crutches as the other students whizzed past him. 

A 17-year-old amputee student in Yunnan, south-west China has touched the hearts of the nation after he insisted on completing a 1,000-metre run on his crutches during a PE exam

'I want a higher score instead of just a pass,' he told video news site Pear

The teacher invigilating the exam at the school in Luoping, Yunnan province was so moved that he awarded the student full marks even though he finished last

The eighth-grader, named Gao Yanneng, was originally exempted from the test due to his disability and would be given a pass mark, but the boy said he had wanted to achieve a better score than 60 per cent

The teacher invigilating the exam at the school in Luoping, Yunnan province was so moved that he awarded the student full marks even though he finished last, according to Chinese reports. 

Gao was participating in a series of physical tests required for senior high school entrance examinations on April 24 when the challenge came up, according to People’s Daily. 

Other tests included volleyball, sit-ups and pull-ups, which Gao was able to complete with full marks. 

Against his teachers’ and parents’ advice, the teen insisted on taking the 1,000-metre run.

‘I want a higher score instead of just a pass,’ he told video news site Pear. 

Awe-inspiring footage of the race shows the determined teenager (centre) propelling himself forward with his crutches as the other students whizzed past him

Awe-inspiring footage of the race shows the determined teenager (centre) propelling himself forward with his crutches as the other students whizzed past him

Against his teachers' and parents' advice, the teen insisted on taking the 1,000-metre run.

'I know I would have gotten a pass without taking part in the exam - but I didn't earn that score myself,' the boy said

Against his teachers’ and parents’ advice, the teen insisted on taking the 1,000-metre run

‘I know I would have gotten a pass without taking part in the exam – but I didn’t earn that score myself,’ the boy said. 

‘People with disability don’t rely on the charity of others – so I insisted on finishing the 1000-metre run,’ he added. 

As soon as the race started, Gao immediately fell behind the entire group. 

Several minutes later, all the students in his group had completed the race, leaving Gao alone on the track. 

Refusing to give up, Gao continued hopping on his crutches and eventually dragged himself across the finishing line as other students clapped and cheered him on. 

He completed the run in three minutes and 50 seconds – the slowest time from his group. But several teachers, who were moved to tears while watching the boy, agreed to award him full marks for the exam. 

‘Today, a special child took part in the sports entrance exams and completed a special competition. He has shone with brilliance and showed a tenacious fighting spirit and strong will,’ one of the teachers said. ‘He has showed us what is the value and meaning of life with his actions.’ 

Gao was participating in a series of physical tests required for senior high school entrance examinations on April 24 when the challenge came up. Other tests included volleyball, sit-ups and pull-ups, which Gao was able to complete with full marks (above)

Gao was participating in a series of physical tests required for senior high school entrance examinations on April 24 when the challenge came up. Other tests included volleyball, sit-ups and pull-ups, which Gao was able to complete with full marks (above)

Other students are seen applauding and cheering Gao on as he completes the 1,000m run

Other students are seen applauding and cheering Gao on as he completes the 1,000m run

The school’s principal, Wang Qiaogang, said the boy never thought he was different from other able-bodied students. 

‘He was exempted from lining up at the canteen during lunch hours – but he would always line up with the rest of his classmates,’ he said. 

Gao, the youngest of four brothers and sisters, lives in Gegang village in Luoping county and is from a poor family. 

He lost his leg after an amputation due to a fall from his home’s roof when he was about six years old, according to People’s Daily. 

His parents could not afford to take him to the doctors and only treated his wound with some herbs. However, his condition worsened and doctors had no choice but to amputate his right leg in order to save him. 

‘Young man, your bravery and determination has moved me! I hope you will have a great future,’ one person commented on Chinese microblogging site Weibo.

‘This is a very inspiring teenager. I thought three minutes and 50 seconds is great time,’ another user said. 

‘He deserves full marks for sure! Thumbs up for this teen!’ one person added. 

‘He is definitely a true winner in every sense,’ another said. 

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