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The focus of this paper is on the identities of Chinese female athletes with physical impairments, with specific reference to menstruation and their athletic identity. There has been limited research and media coverage to date on the experiences and identities of Chinese athletes with physical impairments, especially female athletes, and the existing literature fails to highlight the intersection of athletic identity, gender identity and disability identity in the lives of these women. Moreover, although research on the relationship between sport and menstruation has increased in recent years, few of the studies have included disabled women voicing their feelings, ideas, and experiences. Therefore, with the aim of giving a voice to these athletes and bringing more attention to a neglected group of people, this research examines Chinese disabled female athletes' perceptions of their own multiple identities, and this particular paper sheds light on the intersections between their menstruation experiences, being disabled and their athletic experience. The 15 participants were elite female athletes who have belonged to national teams and/or attended international sport mega events, competing in a variety of sports. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this research elicited the women’s stories about menstruation experiences while training and competing. Diversity and commonality in the experiences of participants were found and will be discussed in this presentation.
