TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A high school wrestler is being lauded as a hero for entering a burning home several times to save an elderly man.
Lin Ya-ko rescued a 70-year-old man surnamed Lai (賴) after going in and out of a burning house six times, reported CNA. Lin, who is of Atayal descent, used wrestling techniques he learned to carry the elderly man out of the house.
At 4 a.m. on Wednesday (May 29), a fire broke out at a home in Miaoli County's Toufen City. Lin, a sophomore at Miaoli County Hsinghua Senior High School, was buying breakfast at a nearby convenience store when he noticed thick smoke coming from the house and heard what sounded like some knocking from inside.

Lin asked the store clerk to call the fire department and immediately rushed into the house to search for anyone trapped inside. After six trips in and out, he rescued Lai before the fire department arrived.
Lin told CNA that the smoke inside the house was so thick he had to hold his breath while rushing in. He could not find anyone during the first two attempts.
On the third attempt, he found Lai lying on the floor between the living room and the kitchen, but he could only move him a few steps before feeling out of breath.

On the sixth attempt, Lin used his wrestling skills to carry Lai out in one go. Reflecting on the rescue, Lin said, "I didn't think much. I just wanted to save him."
Lin began wrestling in a club during middle school and is currently on the high school varsity squad. Last year, he unsuccessfully tried out for the national team, but he placed fifth at the 2023 National Middle School Athletic Games.

He had thought wrestling could be useful for self-defense and helping others, but “I never actually thought it would come in handy.”
However, Lin inhaled too much smoke during the rescue and passed out after saving Lai. He was sent to the hospital, but is now in stable condition after receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
When asked if he would act the same way in a similar situation in the future, Lin said, "It would depend on the situation. If there is a fire, I might not go in so many times."
