Hualien's Tian Jianen Overcomes Flood Disaster Challenges to Win Javelin Gold
Tian Jianen, a student athlete from Guangfu Junior High School in Hualien, secured a gold medal in the men's javelin at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games. His victory was hard-won, overcoming the destruction of his school's track and practice equipment due to a flood disaster and his own injury, with support from Mennonite Hospital.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 13:45
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HUALIEN, Taiwan (CNA) - Tian Jianen, an athlete from Guangfu Junior High School in Hualien, won the gold medal in the men's javelin at the 115th National Intercollegiate Athletic Games with a throw of 56.53 meters on his first attempt. This gold medal was hard-earned, representing not just the effort of a single athlete, but the collective spirit and goodwill of an entire system. The school maintained the training rhythm, the coach held the direction, the medical team bridged the gap in protection, and various kind-hearted individuals continued to offer their attention.
Huang Jian-rong, principal of Guangfu Junior High, stated that after the flood disaster on September 23 last year, the school's track and practice fields were completely submerged. The track and field team was forced to borrow grounds for training, practicing at Guangfu Elementary School and Donghua University. Achieving good results in such difficult circumstances demonstrates the children's persistence in their beliefs.
Chen Wei-hao, track and field coach at Guangfu Junior High, pointed out that after the flood, almost all equipment was destroyed, leaving only one javelin for five or six athletes to share. The children lacked complete training time, only able to practice for the short 10 minutes during breaks on the muddy ground. "No warm-up, no protection, they just threw there." It was in this environment that Tian Jianen sustained an injury.
Tian Jianen was unaware of the injury at the time. It wasn't until before this year's competition that he realized his arm was sore and he couldn't exert force, forcing him to suspend training to recover.
Mennonite Hospital stated that in addition to facilitating resource connections, they further introduced professional "sports protection." Starting this year, they integrated local and external resources, partnering with physical therapists in Hualien and professional teams from outside the county to jointly promote sports protection.
Normally, local therapists visit the campus to provide athletes with physical assessments, strength and flexibility tests, and individualized guidance on injury prevention, movement adjustments, and basic rehabilitation training, helping children build a solid physical foundation during their daily training.
During important competitions, sports protection teams from outside the county provide on-site support for immediate protection and treatment. From pre-competition warm-ups and post-competition cool-downs to advice on taping and muscle usage, athletes receive an extra layer of assurance and protection every time they compete.
Mennonite Hospital emphasizes that sports protection is not a one-time assistance but a form of long-term companionship. Through the cooperation and assistance of professional teams, children can fully utilize their abilities under safe conditions.
Tian Jianen comes from the Mayuan Tribe in Wanrong Township and has Bunun and Amis heritage. Coach Chen Wei-hao said that Jianen was originally a softball player in elementary school. He noticed that Jianen could throw a softball over 50 meters, reaching home plate from the outfield with a single throw. He was then recruited for javelin training, and with solid training, his performance steadily improved. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150420
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Huang Jian-rong, principal of Guangfu Junior High, stated that after the flood disaster on September 23 last year, the school's track and practice fields were completely submerged. The track and field team was forced to borrow grounds for training, practicing at Guangfu Elementary School and Donghua University. Achieving good results in such difficult circumstances demonstrates the children's persistence in their beliefs.
Chen Wei-hao, track and field coach at Guangfu Junior High, pointed out that after the flood, almost all equipment was destroyed, leaving only one javelin for five or six athletes to share. The children lacked complete training time, only able to practice for the short 10 minutes during breaks on the muddy ground. "No warm-up, no protection, they just threw there." It was in this environment that Tian Jianen sustained an injury.
Tian Jianen was unaware of the injury at the time. It wasn't until before this year's competition that he realized his arm was sore and he couldn't exert force, forcing him to suspend training to recover.
Mennonite Hospital stated that in addition to facilitating resource connections, they further introduced professional "sports protection." Starting this year, they integrated local and external resources, partnering with physical therapists in Hualien and professional teams from outside the county to jointly promote sports protection.
Normally, local therapists visit the campus to provide athletes with physical assessments, strength and flexibility tests, and individualized guidance on injury prevention, movement adjustments, and basic rehabilitation training, helping children build a solid physical foundation during their daily training.
During important competitions, sports protection teams from outside the county provide on-site support for immediate protection and treatment. From pre-competition warm-ups and post-competition cool-downs to advice on taping and muscle usage, athletes receive an extra layer of assurance and protection every time they compete.
Mennonite Hospital emphasizes that sports protection is not a one-time assistance but a form of long-term companionship. Through the cooperation and assistance of professional teams, children can fully utilize their abilities under safe conditions.
Tian Jianen comes from the Mayuan Tribe in Wanrong Township and has Bunun and Amis heritage. Coach Chen Wei-hao said that Jianen was originally a softball player in elementary school. He noticed that Jianen could throw a softball over 50 meters, reaching home plate from the outfield with a single throw. He was then recruited for javelin training, and with solid training, his performance steadily improved. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150420
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