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Chinese man who lost a leg and an arm inspires many by competing in bodybuilding

A man in China with only one arm and one leg who took part in a bodybuilding competition, attracting thunderous applause at site and massive…

By Samantha Johnson / May 20, 2026

A man in China with only one arm and one leg who took part in a bodybuilding competition, attracting thunderous applause at site and massive admiration on social media.

The muscular Liu Xinju, 32, joined The 20th Bodybuilding Competition in Jinan, the capital city of eastern Shandong province, which was held on May 10.

Videos of his performance on stage went viral on mainland social media. Many people were moved and inspired by Liu, who consequently earned the nickname Encouraging Brother, the China Youth Daily reported.

Disabled former athlete, Liu Xinju, above, takes a photograph of himself in a mirror. Photo: Douyin
Disabled former athlete, Liu Xinju, above, takes a photograph of himself in a mirror. Photo: Douyin

Liu lost his right arm and right leg in a road accident 10 years ago.

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For some time following the accident, he was demoralised and spent all his time lying in bed playing on his mobile phone. His eyesight deteriorated dramatically as a result.

His family lifted him out of his state by goading him: “You are useless,” Liu recalled them saying.

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He then devoted himself to physical workouts, partly because he had been an athlete before.

Liu works on his leg muscles in the gym which allows him to exercise for free. Photo: Douyin
Liu works on his leg muscles in the gym which allows him to exercise for free. Photo: Douyin

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