A participant pulls with all his might during a tug-of-war event at the 8th China Organ Transplant Games held in Wuhan, Hubei Province, in June. China Organ Transplant Development Foundation
On a sunny day in June, lung transplant recipient Xuan Xuan stood at the starting line of a sprint, ready to sprint — something that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
For the 20-year-old, the transplant marked the start of a new life. “I love the feeling of cool air on my skin and I enjoy letting my mind go free while sprinting,” he said.
Xuanshuan, who has used a pseudonym to protect her privacy, is unable to run, let alone walk long distances, due to pulmonary fibrosis – a disease that damages and scars lung tissue, causing severe breathing difficulties.
But thanks to a double lung transplant he underwent in late 2019, he was able to go back to school and take this year's National Center Test in early June. And in his spare time, he enjoys running track and field.
Shuangshuang was one of about 400 organ transplant recipients who took part in the 8th China Organ Transplant Conference, held in Wuhan, Hubei province on June 11 and 12.
