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She told me at the last Paralympics that her Australian nickname was 'Ya La'.
“It's very exciting to get our first gold medal in doubles,” he said. “It's different for us because last time in Tokyo, we only got singles medals.
“I have won a lot of medals, but every time I still feel a different meaning. We are very close friends. We have known each other since Qian was a child.
“I really enjoy the Australian lifestyle, and because our team, the Australian Table Tennis Team, is a great family. We embrace all cultures.”
Li was born with a birth defect in her lower right leg, while Qian has a birth defect in her arm.
Spectators were given a masterclass, but as in going to a cricket game, it is best to sit behind the player's arm, or in this case look down the table.
Lina Li and Qian Yang smiled after their victory in Paris. credit: Getty Images
Ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, Australia had not won a table tennis gold medal in 37 years.
Thanks to goals from Qian and Li, Australia managed to score twice in the space of an hour, and after their performance on Saturday, they look set to be productive at the Games, with both players set to compete in the individual events.
On the track, cyclist Amanda Reid defended her gold medal in Tokyo in the 500m time trial (C1-3), beating China's Wangwei Qian by less than a second.
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Classified as having cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, Reid competed in swimming at London 2012 but switched to cycling at Rio 2016.
She said Saturday's win was significant because she had been struggling with back problems in the lead-up to the race.
“The last few months have been really tough for me, so to go back is absolutely amazing,” she told Channel Nine.
Reid was supported by her mother in the crowd. She is one of four Aboriginal athletes representing Australia at the Paris Olympics.
“This means everything to me as an indigenous athlete…to represent my country and my people back home is really amazing.”
The Australian wheelchair rugby team will also face Japan in the semi-final on Sunday (9.30pm AEST).
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