Refer China: Jinan Bodybuilding ： One-Arm, One-Leg Man Goes Viral

Liu Xinju, 32, lost arm and leg in crash, then competed in Jinan bodybuilding on May 10. Lives on 1,100 yuan/month, trains free. 'Encouraging Brother' nickname.

Tags:

Jinan

Bodybuilding Competition

Perseverance

Disability Inspiration

Encouraging Brother

A 32‑year‑old Chinese man with only one arm and one leg has gone viral after taking part in a bodybuilding competition, earning thunderous on‑site applause and widespread praise across social media for his perseverance and grit.

A Chinese man who lost a leg and an arm inspires many by competing in bodybuilding, earning massive admiration. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

The muscular athlete, Liu Xinju, competed in the 20th Bodybuilding Competition held in Jinan, capital of Shandong Province, on May 10. Footage of his stage performance quickly swept Chinese social platforms, touching countless netizens. He has been affectionately nicknamed Encouraging Brother for his inspiring story, reported the China Youth Daily.

Liu in a determined mood as he lifts weights in the gymnasium. Photo: Douyin

Liu lost his right arm and right leg in a serious road accident 10 years ago. In the period right after the tragedy, he fell into deep despair, staying in bed all day scrolling on his phone, which caused his eyesight to worsen sharply.

It was harsh words from his family that pulled him out of stagnation. “You are useless,” they told him. Their push motivated Liu to rebuild himself through intense physical training — a path familiar to him, as he had been an athlete before the accident.

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

“I just fell down, I did not die. Why do you believe I cannot get up?” Liu said, responding to those who doubted his future.“I am disabled. But as long as my heart is not disabled, I will always be healthy and happy.”

He took part in the under‑65kg category at the Jinan bodybuilding contest, where he competed alongside two former Shandong provincial champions. “I heard they train extremely hard. It is my honour to share the same stage with them,” Liu shared humbly. His final ranking was not released.

When Liu stepped onto the competition stage, the whole venue burst into warm applause. “This is the best recognition for him. We all admire him deeply,” an audience member surnamed Yu told reporters. “Liu embodies honesty and optimism. His story lights the way for many others.”

Liu trains at a local gym that lets him work out for free. He lives on a monthly low‑income welfare allowance of 1,100 yuan (US$160). His biggest wish is to repay the gym by giving back to it in some way.

His powerful story has flooded social media with positive comments:“He is a real‑life Superman, worthy of everyone’s respect.”“You are amazing, brother. Compared with what you’ve been through, my troubles mean nothing.”