PARIS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- At the mixed zone after the women's individual archery final on Saturday, Lisa Barbelin, who just won France's first-ever Olympic bronze medal in the event, went to hug a special guest -- a quadruple amputee on a wheelchair.

The man sharing this honoring moment with Barbelin is Philippe Croizon, a 56-year-old French athlete and the first quadruple amputee to swim across the English Channel.

"Thank you so much for coming to see my match," said Barbelin to Croizon.

Holding her medal in left hand and putting her right arm around Croizon's shoulder, Barbelin posed with Croizon together, with big smiles on the faces of both, for a photo which was later shared by the Games' official website.

Croizon was amputated after a severe electric shock accident in 1994 when he was in his 20s. During his recuperation in the hospital, he was inspired by a female channel-swimmer from a TV program and decided to train for swimming across the English Channel. He wrote an autobiography titled "J'ai décidé de vivre (I decided to live)", which later inspired the young archer Barbelin.

"I read his book and was really inspired by it," said the 24-year-old woman.

She met Croizon in person on a TV show and the two formed a strong bond. "I'm very happy that he came to see my match today, it means a lot to me."

Croizon could not hold back his tears, knowing that the young lady made history to become the first French woman to win an Olympic archery medal.

"A long time ago I had a dream: to swim across the English Channel. I did it in 2010 and I wrote a book, Lisa read the book and called me," said Croizon. "She told me that her dream is to be an Olympic champion, and my book helped her a lot."

Croizon's story encouraged Lisa to keep on going and aim for higher.

"It's the victory of 'everything is possible'," said Croizon. "When I wanted to swim across the English Channel, I wasn't a swimmer, but I achieved my dream. That's what I explained to Lisa: when you have a dream, everything is possible, and she did it."

"My dear Lisa Barbelin, your bronze medal particularly moves me. Bravo for this performance and your perseverance," posted Croizon on Instagram after the match with a photo of himself and Barbelin, showcasing a story shared by the two who challenge the impossible and pursue their dreams. Enditem

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