China boy with 97% burns dreams of becoming top badminton player, practises daily despite pain
‘Little warrior’ inspired by Chinese sporting legend who often falls playing shots due to injuries suffered in fire is tipped for the top by coach
A boy in eastern China who survived catastrophic burns is battling daily pain on the badminton court, determined to become a champion like his idol Lin Dan.
Xuanxuan, 12, from Jinan in Shandong province, was asleep with his family when a fire tore through his parents’ small noodle shop six years ago, Qilu Evening News reported.
He suffered the worst injuries, with burns covering 97 per cent of his body, while his parents and younger sister were also injured.
His mother told the mainland media that burns are especially devastating for children.
Xuanxuan has survived over 50 operations, with healthy skin remaining only under his armpits and on a small patch at the back of his neck.