Here is my tribute to Sang Lan.

Sang Lan was first seen in international competition at the 1996 American Cup. She was only 15 and an up-and-coming gymnast in China. She was a powerful vaulter and tumbler, with a very cute floor routine.

She competed on 2 events at the 1998 International Team Championships, floor and vault. She did an awesome layout Cuervo vault, and had won vault at the Chinese National Championships.

She was chosen to compete at on vault at the 98 Goodwill Games. She trained at the Chinese National Training Center with the other top gymnasts in China.

Lan arrived in New York and was looking forward to competing, and then going shopping!

But during warm-ups, tragedy struck. She over-flipped a handspring timer vault, a very basic skill. She landed on her head, breaking her neck. She underwent surgery for 4 hours and was paralyzed from the chest down.

While in the hospital, she recieved some special visitors, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Celine Dion and Christopher Reeve.

Lan's parents had never been out of China but were flown in just after their daughter's surgery.

Lan now has to learn how to do everyday things again, and does several hours of physical therapy every day. She also has to adjust to life in a wheelchair.

She lives with Gina Liu and her son, Winston, in New York. Winston has become a very good friend and helps Lan with a lot of things.

Sang Lan is very optimistic about her future. She believes that she will be able to walk again, someday. She is an inspiration to everyone.

To send a donation to help with Lan's medical bills, write to:
Goodwill for Sang Lan
P.O. Box 1177
New York, NY 10002