"Basketball girl" Qian Hongyan in her hometown, Luliang. [File Photo]

Qian Hongyan.[File Photo]

Qian Hongyan, a girl from Luliang county of Yunnan, who lost her legs at the age of 4 and was found living on a basketball for basic lives in 2005, has grown up.

This Wednesday(September 4), Qian Hongyan received a new pair of artificial legs which are longer and more suitable than previous ones from China Rehabilitation Research Center.

The newly-installed artificial legs for Qian Hongyan were at the world leading level, according to China Rehabilitation Research Center.

During past years, although a car accident deprived her of walking ability with legs, Qian Hongyan did not lose confidence in having a better life.

After installing a pair of artificial legs for the first time since 2005, she joined into a teenagers' swimming club and began to receive professional swimming training for the disabled.

From 2008 to 2011, Qian successively won swimming competition medals in provincial championship, national championship and in the national games for the disabled.

Until now, 8 years have passed by. Qian Hongyan now grows up to 1.64 meters in height. She is 18 years old this year, and will live her normal life as an ordinary adult with newly-installed legs.

(Editors: Cathy Chen, Lynn)