Burns survivor Lee Hui-chu recovers her strength and builds new life as fitness coach
In 2015, Taiwan was horrified by a fire caused by combustible dust particles at a water park in New Taipei. It ended with 17 deaths, with many others left with severe burns. Today we meet one of the survivors, Lee Hui-chu, who has gone on to become a fitness coach. Despite living with the impact of burns on 42% of her skin, she’s competing in weight-lifting contests and running half marathons. We spoke to Lee to find out how she is rewriting the definition of health.
Lee Hui-chu lifts a barbell over her head in one clean swing.
She gently adjusts her position, watching herself in the mirror, and even using her rest breaks to train.
The determined, cheerful 29-year-old is full of life. It’s hard to imagine that she was one of the survivors of the 2015 New Taipei water park fire, which left her with burns on 42% of her skin. Seven years later, the scars are still very obvious across her arms and legs.
Lee Hui-chu
Burns survivor
I’ve had experiences where people have shouted at me across the street, “Hey, girl, what’s up with that? How did you get like that?” The scars will be on me for the rest of my life. I’m always practicing that.
After the fire, Lee picked up exercise again. Her skin is fragile and less flexible after recovering from the burns. But, undaunted, she trains hard and is learning how to live happily with her scars. She’s been in weight training for more than a year now, and can deadlift 105 kilograms.
Lee Hui-chu
Burns survivor
In the past, I couldn’t run up three flights of stairs. I think working out has been a very engaging thing for me, right from when I first got out of hospital, up until the moment when I realized that I’m in slightly better shape.
Last year Lee competed in the Taiwan Strongman competition, coming in at fourth place, as well as taking part in a Spartan Race and a half marathon. She’s determined to keep getting stronger so her legs can take her where she wants to go.
Lee Hui-chu
Burns survivor
Some people say women should be skinny, that’s the only way to be beautiful. But health often doesn’t look like we think it should. I think what I’m constantly searching for is, “What is true health?”
Now Lee works as a full-time fitness coach. Her scars are proof of her immense courage and determination. She rebuilt her own agency after a horrific trauma and now she’s helping others find their own strength too.
2023-03-24
