Ma Lin turns brutal encounter with bear into glorious Paralympic career

PARIS – As a kid, Ma Lin of China had wanted to become a renowned pianist, but his dream unfortunately ended in agony when he had to have his right arm amputated as a result of a brown bear biting him.

However, with his gritty resolve, he has become a force to be reckoned with in para table tennis.

The 34-year-old accrued four Paralympic gold medals – three team and one singles – besides a singles silver for China dating back to Beijing in 2008 before moving to Australia in 2017.

Having switched allegiance, he won two silvers at the Tokyo Games three years ago and on Sept 7 at the Paris Paralympics he made it a full house of medals.

Ma had to be content with bronze after losing a gripping five-game match to France’s Lucas Didier at a packed South Paris Arena.

He looked upset at the loss and he had good reason to be as he had twice been ahead only to be pegged back by the obdurate Didier, who went on to lose to Laurens Devos of Belgium in straight games in the final.

“It’s tough,” said Australia coach Alois Rosario, speaking on behalf of Ma as the player does not speak English.

“It was a tough match. He went in as the favourite, so it’s tough in the biggest environment. But Lucas played unbelievably well today.”

Ma was just five when he went along with a friend to a zoo near his home in China, and that was when the accident happened.

“I thought (the bear) was my friend because I used to go to the zoo every week to feed him,” he told Australia’s News Corp in 2021.

“So, I just decided to reach out and pat him, but I guess he was not in a good mood that day.”

He put his right hand through the bars of the cage only for the bear to bite right through his arm above the elbow.

“I think I was in a bit of shock. But I didn’t cry. Not once,” Ma said.

A surgeon saved his life but his arm had to be amputated. For the youngster, there was only one question on his mind when he woke up after the operation.

“I just wanted to know if I would still be able to get a girlfriend when I was older,” said Ma, whose parents replied with “of course” and so he was happy.

Thus did his life-changing journey begin, inspired by China’s clean sweep of the 1996 Olympic medals, though having been right-handed the first thing he had to adapt to was becoming proficient with his left.

It has proved to be an excellent decision, his stroke a joy to watch and fans marvelled at the effectiveness of his serve against Didier, who has the use of both his hands.

The medals attest to Ma’s skill set, and bronze in Paris will not be the end of his journey – far from it.

“He’s talking about Brisbane 2032, so there’s still a long road ahead of him,” added Rosario.

“He’s getting better and he’s improved a lot of areas of his game.”

Rosario also said that Ma is not spending the time to be amazed at how his life has panned out and is just looking forward to adding to his legendary status – and his medal collection.

“I mean, he’s still on a journey and he’s got a long way to go still, I hope,” he said.

“But yeah, he’s achieved a lot in his life already on the table. He’s used to the ups and he’s used to the downs, so (there will be) lots ahead.” AFP