ATHENS, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- A young Chinese "Hercules" proved his excellence in men's shot put class F13 Tuesday morning in the 12th Paralympic Games in the capital of Greece, the "land of legends".

    "Thank my motherland and my people!" 25-year-old Sun Haitao cheered out after grabbing his third consecutive Paralympic gold medal in the event.

    Sun not only beat other athletes in the event, but also broke the previous world and Paralympic record he set in Sydney four years ago.

    His best throw of the day is 16.62 meters, followed by Ukrainian Alexzandr Yasinovyi and Austrian Russel Short, who won the silver medal and bronze in the end respectively.

    "It is a tough competition and all athletes gave their best shot," Sun said.

    "Greece is a place where legends are created and dreams come true. I am very glad that my dream was fulfilled today. This country will surely enrich my memories," he said.

    Sun said he had prepared well for his next event -- men's discus throw where he is favored to win the gold medal.

    Sun is a talented athlete who has so far claimed five Paralympic gold medals since 1996. He is studying mass communication in east China's Nanjing University for a master degree. Enditem