In a recent conversation, he mentioned, “I’ve been reading *Zi Zi Tong Jian* lately,†adding, “It brings me a deep sense of fulfillment. I don’t believe in being too utilitarian.†Once, Li Ning even posed for a “Pop Art†photo—dressed in red sportswear with a black suit jacket, holding an Olympic champion’s trophy.
At the end of the 20th century, Li Ning was honored as one of the “World’s Best Athletes in the 20th Century†by the International Association of Sports Journalists. Out of 100 years, only 25 athletes have ever received this prestigious award. Li Ning's name was listed alongside legends like Pelé, Ali, and Jordan.
In 2006, Li Ning was named one of the 60 Asian Heroes by *Time Weekly*, an American magazine. The publication described him as a “legendary figure with a flexible mind who excelled both in gymnastics and business.†At that time, Li Ning Sports Goods had already gone public on the Hong Kong stock exchange, becoming the first Chinese sports brand to list there. As chairman, Li Ning and his family owned 37% of the company, and his personal wealth was estimated at nearly 2 billion yuan.
“Li Ning proved one thing,†*Time* magazine remarked. “In China, the glory of business can be just as impressive as an Olympic gold medal.†However, in that issue, Li Ning wasn't categorized under “businessman,†but rather under “athlete and explorer.â€
Indeed, the “explorer†side of Li Ning is less known. In the early days of his career, he faced many challenges and even dabbled in acting. “This is just my personality,†he admitted. “I love freedom.â€
Today, Li Ning rarely appears at the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay. He lives in a luxurious neighborhood in Deep Water Bay. His appearances in films like *Seven King Kong* and TV dramas like *Wulin Supreme* are still popular among fans.
At 18, Li Ning began learning Chinese painting from Wu Dongkui, who was also a national gymnast at the time. “He often came on weekends when no one was cooking. We would just boil a bowl of instant noodles together,†Wu recalled.
Li Ning’s favorite painting style is “black bamboo.†“After painting, I feel more calm when practicing gymnastics,†he said. “The combination of hardness and softness in bamboo, and the movement of its leaves, reflect the grace and strength needed in gymnastics.â€
Later, Li Ning became more recognized for his achievements in gymnastics. In 1984, he won three gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics. “When I returned to Guangxi, it felt like everyone was out there cheering,†he remembered. “I was sitting in a taxi, and people were shouting everywhere. It was unforgettable.â€
Four years later, at the Seoul Olympics, he fell from the rings, marking the end of his competitive gymnastics career. The Chinese public responded slowly to his loss. His smile after falling made him a “sinner†in the eyes of some. Some even sent him threatening letters.
“I always liked to laugh,†Li Ning later said. “It’s part of who I am.†But during that era, China was still emerging from isolation, full of strong emotions. “People wanted champions, not just athletes.â€
“At that time, I might have become a coach or officer,†he reflected. “But I got angry and left when they patted my back.†Instead, he chose to start a business, which was rare in the sports world. “First make money, then paint,†he said.
“I used to wear foreign brands as an athlete,†he admitted. “I didn’t know where it would lead.†Li Jingwei, a former coach, thought Li Ning was smart and well-mannered. “I just watched him swim and acted as a lifeguard. If he struggled, I’d pull him up. After a few times, he swam better than me.â€
The transition from athlete to businessman was filled with small details. “As an athlete, everything was provided by the country,†he said. “But when I was on my own, I didn’t know how to write a project proposal or handle paperwork.â€
“Sports has clear rules,†he said. “But doing business is more complex.†At his first meeting, no one bought his products. “I had to find ways to promote myself. I built a franchise system to stand out.â€
His breakthrough came during the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. He convinced officials to choose his brand over a $3 million foreign sponsorship, offering only 2.5 million yuan.
In August 1990, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Li Ning took the torch from a Tibetan girl, carrying the sacred flame in his signature white “Li Ning†sportswear. This moment was broadcast nationwide and remains memorable to many.
During the entire torch relay, 200 million people participated directly, and 2.5 billion viewers learned about Jianlibao and Li Ning through media. Leaders wearing “Li Ning†clothes during the event further boosted its popularity.
After the Asian Games, “Li Ning†clothing became a hit overnight. By the closing month, the company received a 15 million yuan order. For the next Asian Games in Hiroshima and the 25th Olympics, until the 2004 Athens Olympics, Chinese athletes never wore other brands when they won awards.
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