Zero to Hero

 It seems like a sports movie, except it is about a Paralympic athlete and set in Hong Kong.  It is also about a mother's role in bringing a handicapped baby into a Paralympic champion.  Available on Netflix.

At first the challenge is to accept a baby that was supposed never to walk and likely to be deaf.  So Wa Wai's mother was strong willed and spent many hours encouraging him to walk.  They found a hearing device.  She heard about Paralympics and came across a coach.  Once walking, So Wa Wai loved to run and the coach and his sister were able to get him going.  He was seen as the fourth runner for a relay team (to replace the coach himself).  

They are entered in the 1996 Atlanta ParaOlympics with a squabble.  The traditionally fastest runner had always run the anchor leg, but the coach determined that So Wa Wai with his uneven stride would do better on the straight way and thus give the team a better chance of winning.  This is based on a true story, but it was well dramatized in the sports movie tradition with So Wa Wai getting the baton behind several runners, but pulling up to a photo finish victory.  That was Hong Kong's first Paralympic gold medal.  The film is about half over and I thought this was the climax. 

To maintain his training the mother had taken on other jobs.  She had another son (after the doctor assured them their son's condition was not hereditary).  China had a one child rule but I guess not applied to Hong Kong or they were exempted.   Over time the other son helped with the older brother in his training and the many tasks that were difficult for a handicapped boy.  After Sun Wa Wai had won a few more gold medals the younger son exploded in his anger that he had only been born to serve his handicapped brother and there did seem to be truth to his anger.  Reminds me of "It is Okay Not to be Okay" (2020) where the mother deliberately had another child to take care of the first who had been born autistic.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html  Both sons were upset over how their parents treated them. 

Money was very tight and the main cause was the training time needed for a Paralympian.  Then the mother was approached by a sports promoter who wanted So Wa Wai to do some ads.  At first it was resisted, then they got involved for awhile, but it interfered with the training.  Dropped the ad effort, but came back to it as the mother realized after he was finished running at the Paralympics he would have nothing to do and basically be close to unemployable.  Went into again and this time So Wa Wai resented being told to stutter so he would seem more handicapped.   In Canada we were able to watch numerous Paralympians doing commericals.

His time off training had to be made up and it was agonizing as he was behind in his times from the Atlanta games.  His mother was his motivator when he wanted to give up  The coach's sister had attended much of the practices over the years and even clipped his toenails.  The mother, seeing her son's shyness and his limited future prospects suggested that the coach's sister should be his girlfriend, but she responded that he was not her "dream man."  Very embarrassing.

It is not much of a spoiler to say the film ends on a high note with So Wa Wai re-setting his world record for the 200 meter run in category T-36 which apparently still stands.  In the credits you see the actual people including So Wa Wai, the coach parents and brother.  Decades ago China had declared they had no handicapped people, but when they campaigned for the Olympics they had to accept the Paralympics and not only did they do so, but made an effort to be competitive.

What makes an engaging film is the people behind it.  Here are some of them.

Chi-Man Wan was the director.  He started writing for movies and in 2006 and by 2010 directed one of his scripts and then moved on to direct another three movies.

Sandra Kwan Yue Ng, the producer has been a very popular star in Hong Kong cinema with well over 100 acting credits and at one time the highest grossing Hong Kong actress with national awards.  By 2014 she had started expanding into directing and producing.  She won best actress award for this film at the Chinese American Film Festival.

Music was provided by Day Tai and cinematography by Wan-Kai Tam

Chung-Hang Leung played So Wa Wai.  Required to run and display a range of emotions.  Believable.

Louis Cheung played the coach.

Curran Pang, the editor had 60 credits including "Infernal Affairs" (2002). 

Sports films belong with the more common ones of someone overcoming obstacles to have a more satisfying life.  "Zero to Hero" does a good job.

A documentary on the Paralympics explains a bit the purpose of the games:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/rising-phoenix-disabled-move-forward.html

Rising Phoenix: The Disabled move forward

Essentially this movie is about the Paralympic Games, but in reality it is about disabled people carving a bigger place in the world.   It is set up to highlight a few athletes from different parts of the world and to include some history of the movement.  Every one has a unique story.  The athletes have "qualified" for the games because of war, accidents, birth or disease.  They have each struggled to deal with their limitations and then to stretch their abilities.  Perhaps their biggest handicap is the perception of others.

The film inspired me to do some research and draw upon my own memories.

The history starts with Dr. Ludwig Guttmann who lived in Germany where as a Jew in the 1930's he was forbidden to work in public hospitals.  He was able to be a neurosurgeon in Breslau and after Kristallnacht there was a rush of patients that he had to answer for the Gestapo the next day.  That was considered a warning.  He escaped, and was able to smuggle a few children whose parents had already been taken away.  In England during World War II he was able to offer his medical services and volunteered to work with  seriously injured soldiers that other avoided as spinal injuries were difficult to deal with.  He was set up at Stoke-Mandeville with a spinal injuries centre.  Dr Guttmann instituted some programs such as turning over patient bodies every two hours to prevent bed sores.  He developed all sorts of physiotherapies and exercises.  He discovered that sports were motivating and advanced from recreational play to competition.

London was the site of the 1948 Olympics, the first after the war.  On the same day Dr. Guttmann Dr. initiated the first Stoke-Mandeville Games which consisted of 16 servicemen and women recovering from injuries competing in archery.  In 1952 some Dutch service members joined in to make it the International Stoke-Mandeville Games.  His daughter who appeared in the film pointed out that Paralympics does not refer to paralyzed athletes, but is meant to denote Parallel  Olympics.

It did not really become officially the Paralympics until the 1960 Rome Olympics.  400 athletes from 23 countries competed and it developed in parallel to the Olympics every 4 years.  In 1976 the Winter Paralympics were held for the first time in Sweden and also continued every four years.

In 1960 the International Sport Organization for the Disabled set up to expand opportunities for other disabled athletes such as visually impaired, amputees, those with cerebral palsy and paraplegics.   They tackled the problems of adapting sports for the disabled and classifying degrees of disabilty to level the competition.  The deaf had already set up their own organization for international sports.

Each year more athletes, more countries and more sports.  More sports means that more disabled people can find something suitable for them.

1976 Olympics were in Montreal, but the  Paralympics were held in Etobicoke which later became part of Toronto.  I was working on a project that involved wheelchair basketball that at the time was dominated by the Israeli team.  They had been through a number of wars and the Israeli government made an effort to rehabilitate the many injured combatants so that no one was left behind.  My press pass enabled me to see many events.  The one that I remember best was the high jump for amputees where Canadian Arnold Boldt was expected to win.  There was a light rain, but nevertheless Arnold set a new world record (I believe he already held the record).  I could not have fathomed how a one legged person could jump over his own height.  This was the first Paralympics to include the blind.  A lot of people came to appreciate that people could always do more.

Russia did not want to admit they had disabled people and would not hold Paralympics.  The Paralympics were picked up in the Netherlands in 1980.   Dr. Guttman had died before the games and was honored.

Since the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and the 1992 Albertville Winer Olympics the Paralympics have been held at the the Olympic venues and have the same facilities.  In 2001 the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee agreed on the practice of "one bid, one city" tying the two events together.

There was a negative comment regarding the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, however research reveals some positive movement.  It was the first time for international corporate sponsorship.  They also promoted cultural achievements by the disabled across disciplines.  For the first time intellectually disabled athletes had medal competitions.  Over 388,000 attended.  There had been a Congress before the game that discussed empowering disabled people around the world.  In the last few decades we can notice that buildings are more wheelchair friendly, but also governments are making a more conscious effort to cater to the needs of disabled people and to protect them against discrimination.

2004 Athens added more sports.  Media coverage for Americans was disappointing in that television camera crews didn't stay, meaning Americans had to wait up to two months for coverage, while other countries received live feeds.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics were hosted in a country with a history of denying disabilities.  But they took the challenge seriously and offered a competitive team, not only for their games, but for future games.  Competitors (and profit motivated media) were pleased with big crowds.  As usual the Chinese benefited from a greater awareness of what the so-called disabled could contribute.

2015 Parapan Am Games to Ontario and were well covered in media.  The famous CN Tower made their popular Edgewalk accessible for wheelchair and had Rick Hansen try it out.  The CN Tower had participated in the Pan American Games and Parapan Am Games.

For 2016 Rio Di Janeiro went through financial difficulties that threatened the Paralympics.  Some thought the Olympic committee must have dipped into funds that had been set aside.  A lot of last minute negotiations saved the games, but initially the athletes performed in front of mostly empty stadiums.  These was very disheartening for the athletes, however the local citizens finally heard about the excitement and began filling the different venues.  One scene from the film illustrates the power of crowds during coverage of bocce.  The athletes are very sensitive and officials were concerned they were bothered by the enthusiasm, but were assured that the athletes were craving the attention.

The Rider, where I used to work has had strong support for the Para-equestrian that became a part of the Paralympics.  We had been told that riding horses helps boost balance and confidence among many disabled people.  Competition gives a focus to some and has made many more aware of an activity that can enhance their lives. 

A number of personal stories made the movie more memorable.

Jean Baptiste Alaize had one leg hacked off with a machete during tribal conflicts in his native Burundi of 1993 when he was only 3 years old.  He witnessed his mother being murdered.  Eventually he was adopted by a French couple.  He chose to be a long jumper.

Ellie Cole from Australia had her leg amputated below the knee at age 3.  She pointed out that in Australia everyone needs to learn to swim and that turned out to be a salvation for her.  She became a Paralympics swim champion.  She learned bullies like to pick on disabled students, but while she was in high school she threw her prosthetic leg at one and that stopped further aggravation.  Not sure, but believe it is her photo on the top poster.

Another Australian Ryley Batt had been born without legs and missing a few fingers.  He was encouraged by his father who had him drive motorized vehicles and took him water skiing.  He gravitated to wheelchair rugby which is a very rough sport with athletes frequently knocking each other off their chairs.  Ryley became known as one of the toughest.  His team lost in London, but he lost weight, got more fit and was able to finally beat the Americans in Rio De Janeiro.

Jonny Peacock was a British sprinter who defeated the world famous Oscar Pistorius for the 100 metres title during the 2012? London Paralympics before a packed crowd of 80,000.  Oscar's comments afterwards was that it showed how much the sport had developed.

A runner Ntando Mahlangu from South Africa explained how he felt liberated with a Cheetah blades.  He lived in a rural area which tend to be neglected for the disabled who tend to be hidden away.  Ironically he had a pet cheetah and sometimes trained with it.  Cheetah blades were invented by Van Philips a biomedical engineer who had lost his leg at age 21.  Unlike previous prosthetic legs it generates energy and has become the norm for many disabled athletes. Ntando won a silver medal in the 800 metres run.

Cui Zhe, a young Chinese woman born with disabilities recounted that her parents were poor and needed help to deal with her.  The Beijing Paralympics helped to galvanize more support.  Cui was a medal winner in power lifting.

Bebe Vio had meningitis at an early age and was lucky to survive.  Her parents consented to amputate her arms, thinking it would end the attack on her body, but it didn't.  Bebe took the pressure off her parents and agreed to a leg amputation a bit later that did seem to end the attack.  Her friends gave her the title of "rising phoenix." Bebe loved fencing and she found with the wheelchair version she could recapture much of the joy she had felt.

Tatyana McFadden became a producer for the film and likely one of the inspirational participants.  She was born in Leningrad, Russia,with legs bent behind her and for several years she walked with her arms.  Adopted to the U.S., she was unable to use a wheelchair, but after several surgeries to straighten out her legs she adapted.  She became a wheelchair champion at virtually every distance.  decided wanted to try cross country skiing instead of concentrating on the next Paralympics, but she had a personal motive.  She went back to Russia for winter Paralympics and won in front of her biological mother.  She has been an activist and is at least partially responsible for legislation providing opportunities for disabled athletes to participate in inter scholastic sports. She appeared on the Ellen DeGeneris show.

Prince Harry, identified as the Duke of Sussex made supporting comments throughout the film.  One comment was regarding the ambitions of Dr. Guttmann was that "he wanted to turn those individuals into taxpayers" meaning to become useful citizens.

The opening and closing ceremonies are big shows on their own.  Big time performers sing and dance, but one of the highlights are "disabled" performers that are very entertaining as dancers and singers.  You will also appreciate international good will.  One example pointed out was the Iraqui team near those athletes who were there because of war injuries incurred in Iraq.

Human resources come in many variations.  Until recently the disabled were written off unless they could adapt and had help.  Now they are being given more opportunities to contribute.  The Paralympics have opened society's eyes and we are all benefiting.  Sports lovers will find the alluring attraction of competition and skill.  All of us will feel inspired by athletes who have overcome difficulties most of us have never had to deal wit, not just physical, but perceptions of other people.

I have written many more details about the Paralympics and Parapan Am Games:

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/03/2018-winter-paralympics-triumph-for-all.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/08/parapan-american-games-comes-to-ontario.html

2018 Winter Paralympics a triumph for all people

Stephen Hawking died during the Paralympics (March 14, 2018), but left us with some inspiring words he spoke during the 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony held in London.  "We are all different there is no such thing as a standard or run of the mill human being, but we share the same human spirit.  Look up at the stars and not down at your feet."  Another quote, "However difficult life may seem there is always something you can do and succeed at"

Hawking was given a devastating diagnosis, as a young man, but he persisted and with modern adaptations was able to give greater understanding to our universe.  Given a chance and modern technology many people have adapted to a wide variety of disabilities.

I watched the Paramerican games when held in Ontario.   Snow and ice  add an increment of difficulty that those who live in northern climates have to make adjustments to (and enjoy).  Maintaining balance under slippery conditions requires skill and initially courage.

The sight of amputated limbs makes one uncomfortable, but one can get used to it.  Prosthetic limbs are becoming more normal.  Mankind has gradually and unevenly accepted  different races, both sexes and even sexual orientation.  The disabled are also humans with untapped potential waiting to make a greater contribution.

To make for a competitive contest requires classifications.   There can be endless discussions about how one amputation is more of a handicap than another, but international authorities have settled on criteria.  Even a sleight disability needs to be given an opportunity.  In some activities the visually impaired are given an opportunity to compete with the aid of guides.  They have categories for standing and sitting skiing.  In the future there are apt to be more classifications and opportunities for everyone to compete.

The American flag bearer, for the Opening Ceremony, Mike Schultz was a champion snowmobile racer until an accident took off one of his legs above the knee.  On a radio interview he recalled walking without a prosthetic device with his daughter and tripping.  He was forced to throw her to a nearby couch, but realized he needed to do more.  He ended up engineering his own prosthetic leg and set up a business.  One of his customers suggested he try snowboarding which he did, becoming a major champion.  He not only made a difficult adjustment for himself, but also for other people making them not only more independent, but also more productive.

The American flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony, Oksana Mastters also has an interesting story. She was born in Ukraine after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and suffered several birth defects that resulted in amputation on both legs and surgery on one of her hands to give her a thumb.  She had been abandoned in an orphanage and was adopted by an American woman who bought her to States.  Oksana got involved in rowing, cycling and later skiing.  She won medals in all sports, but finally got her gold in skiing.

Canadian ambitions always come back to hockey.  The final gold medal game was as exciting as any with the Canadians on top for most of the game, but banging the goal post on an empty net as the Americans desperately tried to tie up the game.  In the losing seconds of regulation time they did tie the game and won in overtime.  It has been hard for Canadians to accept that we aren't always the best in our chosen sport, but it shows our gift to the world

Wondering where the women were scheduled for sledge hockey I learned that there was no program for women, but that the organizing committee had decided to eliminate women and change to a mixed, but apparently no women took part.  Likely this boils down to numbers in that there weren't enough women who were qualified and desired to participate.  Maybe that is not altogether a bad thing, but likely the problem was not that there were enough disabled women, but that there wasn't enough interest.  The Paralympic movement has encouraged many disabled people to get more physically (and socially) active and will undoubtedly with the increasing success of their events the situation will improve for the disabled including more opportunities for women.

The original Olympics were also about the arts.  The Koreans have used their economic success to help spread their culture and have their culture contribute to their success.  For a few years I have enjoyed a few Korean cultural gifts--food, music and movies.   (see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/a-slice-of-korean-cinema.html ). The Paralympics brought us all some music and dance.  The deaf have their own interaction games, but the Paralympics gave a platform for some hearing impaired to demonstrate a dance.   Highlighted a performance of Bae Hui Gwan Band which included several members with different forms of disability.  Their leader was invited by major Korean pop star Ailee to take a spotlight and perform a duet.

Adam Hall from New Zealand and Sini Pyy from Finland were celebrated for best exemplifying the Paralympic value and spirit.

The Paralympics isn't just about the athletes, it is for all of us.  You can find old fashioned competitive fun, but you can also find inspiration that you too can overcome difficulties.  I remember a boss who sometimes steered me to view someone severely handicapped and asked me if I had any problems.  It made my problems seem pretty petty.  The Olympic movement for all its critics offers the world a platform to express international goodwill, the pursuit of excellence and a chance to display the humanity of us all.

OLYMPIC IMPRESSIONS FOR 2016

Since a fairly young boy I have always been obsessed with the Olympics.  Thank goodness they only occur every four years (now every two years with alternating summer and winter games).  As a young parent I once took my kids to a three ring circus.  I had heard the expression before and had seen regular circuses, but the three ring concept was mind blowing.  Wild animal act, acrobats and horses and clowns all at the same time meant there was no time to get bored.  The Olympics is like that but only on a much bigger scale.

When I first watched them it was delayed tapes (which had to be flown over), but even then one was aware there was many world sporting things happening at almost the same time).  When the Olympics were held in North America time zones were less of a problem, but technology improved for overseas.  Cash rich Americans could doctor the schedule for their audience and when it didn't suit them go back to taped delays. Now viewers can switch from one event to another at their whim.

Most of the time I enjoy casually following a few local  professional teams and got a little more excited when tournaments (like March Madness) or playoffs raised the intensity  Most of the Olympic sports get my attention only during the Olympics or if they are close by.

As I get older my focus is changing.  The media excitement is mostly around the winners and their stories of how much they and their families sacrificed to provide this opportunity.  Most of us aren't winners in life, at least not in the overblown publicity given to Olympic winners.  The losers also have a story.  Some are just looking for an excuse to take part in the big party.  Others really do sacrifice on a scale very comparable to the eventual winners.  And let's face it we cannot all have the necessary talent, but we can appreciate talent and effort.

What it boils down to is entertainment.  Lots of sports we are unfamiliar with and athletes from exotic places.  We learn a little as we wait for the more familiar.   Brazil has always been a fascinating place and I regret a little bit that I didn't win the lottery so I could go.

Brazil seemed at the selection time to be a worthy host.  South America had never hosted the Olympics before, they were an upcoming economic power (in fact part of the BRICS conglomerate) and with a reasonably stable government.   But now like many other countries they are suffering from the 2008 recession and politically are in the midst of corruption impasse.  To top all that there is the Zika virus that has frightened away many athletes and visitors.  Pollution is another issue (as it was in China) Violent criminal behaviour has reared its ugly head with Brazilians resenting money being spent on the games while ignoring the poor.  Probably all that accounts for what seem to be poor crowds at many of the venues.

As usual there was scandal.  Four US swimmers (including commercial star Ryan Lochte) claimed to have been robbed, but apparently were covering for some vandalism.  People ready to believe police incompetent, but evidence backed the police. Earlier a robbery right in the Athlete's village of Australian athletes.  There was also an IOC executive caught with an illegal ticket scheme.

In the end with few exceptions  it seems the host country mostly loses money.  Some like Russia and China really wanted the games to be a showcase to illustrate their power and modernity.  Some cities like Boston have opted not to be a host.  To me one solution would be give the host nation more of the television/online revenue.  The richer nations could help support rotating hosts or a permanent site.

Another big issue is drugs.  Canadians were stunned when just  a few days after watching Ben Johnson set a new world record winning the 100 metre gold medal, perhaps the most prestigious event it all fell away.  It seems he couldn't pass a drug test.  Years later it appears that many of his competitors including the new gold medal winner had experience with performance enhancing drugs.  The International Olympic Committee took the praiseworthy step of banning the whole Russian track and field team and apparently the whole Paralympic team.  I hadn't realized that drugs were being used for disabled athletes, sometimes as an extension on pain relievers.

Eric Lamaze, a Canadian equestrian hero at one time faced a lifetime ban.  After a positive test he was so discouraged he contemplated suicide and in his despair smoked a cocaine laced cigarette and tested positive again.  However his previous test was over ruled and his second test disregarded.  He has gone on to be a world and Olympic champion including winning a bronze medal in 2016.

Two things stand out to me--drugs give an unfair advantage to some athletes that choose not to play by the same rules as the rest.  More importantly drugs have bad effects on the population that is striving to win medals or to emulate their heroes, not to mention the athletes themselves who may not be fully aware of the danger.  It is an ongoing battle.

The CBC has done a great job.  They have formed partnerships with other networks that allow them to farm out events.  Online live and replay videos ensure more people can see what interest them the most when it suits them.  The Canadian ratings were up while the American ratings were down, supposedly by prioritizing tape delays.  There was less access to Paralympic events, but still much more than in past years.

Tv commercials were tailored for the Games--favorite was an American and a Canadian playing off one another and advocating a quick payment system for VISA--didn't realize they were married with one being an American Deacathlon champion and his Canadian wife a champion Heptathlete and they both went on to win medals.   In the Paralympics Bell stood out by presenting applications for the handicapped.  SportChek did ads pointed directly at the impaired athletes.

As always a few heart warming events.  A New Zealand runner fell and caused an American runner to fall ended up helping her and not finishing the race.  A German coach died with four organ transplants that saved other people.  Canadan walker, Evan Dunfee declined to follow a complaint foregoing a possible bronze medal and later socializing with the Japanese bronze medalist.

Politics does intrude in a variety of ways, but still present a facade of non politics.  The ultimate would be no countries, only individuals.  The problem with that is it takes organization and money to make it work and where would be the motivation for anyone.  I remember in the Mexico Olympics two blacks protesting injustice on the medal podium and were punished for it.  I remember boycotts by both the Americans and Russians.  In this Olympics it was noted that an Egyptian refused to shake hands with an Israeli.  Also an Ethiopian made a protest gesture against his government as he earned a silver for the men's marathon.  On the other hand there was a South Korean taking a selfie with a North Korean.  There will always be politicians and corporations trying to exploit the Olympic spirit, but why throw away the good with the bad.

The Paralympics abandoned by original financing and losing the entire Russian team went on to illustrate a few interesting points.  The local Brazilians came out in greater numbers to watch the competition because it was more affordable and found the competition exciting.

Classification is a key part of the Paralympics.  How to compare the degree of impairment?  Inevitably one athlete is slightly more impaired than others classed the same, but this also paralleled in able bodies where some are taller, have better vision, etc.  The idea is to give competitors a relatively level playing field.  Many competitors were included with non visible handicaps such as intellectual.  It gives more people a chance to focus on a goal and on physical activities.

Four visually impaired runners actually beat the 1500 m gold medal winner from the Olympics.  It is true that with the Olympic version the runners were employing strategic decisions and had run much better personal bests.  Still you can appreciate the standards are creeping up as more impaired athletes take a serious approach.

The medals were adapted for disabled.  Each medal had a unique sound component and had a Braille statement.

Wheelchair basketball and rugby draw big crowds  It is true the large track stadium was only partially filled.

Some heroes.  I missed most of the events, but couldn't help admiring  Aurélie Rivard from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu chosen as flag bearer with a winning smile  Penny Oleksiak a Gold medal winner in the Olympics also had a radiant face when competing.

Both closing ceremonies were full of fireworks, light show and great music.   The single person who impressed me the most was Japanese dancer, Koichi Omae with one leg shortened above the ankle who was a very acrobatic ballet dancer.  Jonathan Bastos, a Brazilian was born with no arms and but learned to play the guitar with his feet.  A minute of silence was given for Iranian cyclist who died in competition the day before.  The guitarist for Nacao Zumbi flashed a sign telling the Brazilian president (who replaced impeached Dilma Rousseff) to get out.

After all my cynicism I will not be able to resist the 2018 and 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.  Brazil exceeded expectations.  Although there is lots to be cynical about the lure of a three ring circus is too much.  The international pageantry gives one some hope for the future of mankind.