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Li Xiaopeng is China’s most decorated gymnast, having won 16 world titles, including four Olympic gold medals. Although he retired from the sport in 2009, the mindset and principles he carried as an elite athlete continue to apply to his other roles in life, namely those of a father and an entrepreneur.
Li recently met with Victoria Tang-Owen – a Hong Kong-based designer and creative director as well as a fellow parent – to discuss how being a history-making, successful athlete has influenced the way in which he builds upon his legacy outside of the competitive arena. The two also took a break from their conversation to enjoy a lighthearted game of pickleball.
Li told Tang-Owen that for world-class athletes, there is a clear and focused goal to strive for every day: the gold medal. In other aspects of their lives, there may not be such a tangible goal, but it still calls for the same attitude to persevere and succeed.
“As an entrepreneur, you also need to have goals. But your goals won’t be as simple and straightforward as being an athlete,” Li says.
Entrepreneurs can face many setbacks and failures on their business journey, but Li has been leaning on the traits he developed as an athlete to stay the course. “This is why having the right mindset is crucial, to know how to face them,” he says.
“There will be moments when you might think about giving up completely. However, for athletes, not giving up is essential. So you have to remember your beliefs, your ideals and philosophy, and persevere through it.”
Li’s take on what it means to be elite provides further insight into how he manages the different aspects of his life. “From an athlete’s perspective, I think success is about proving yourself – standing on the podium, winning medals, bringing glory to your country. That’s success.”
Switching gears, Li also explains to Tang-Owen what “elite” means to him as a father and husband. “From a family perspective, you don’t need to win medals. Instead, success is about making your family feel warm and empowered,” he says with a smile.
While Li’s history as a gymnast includes him taking up the sport at age six and being part of China’s winning team at the 1997 World Championships at 16, he is careful about keeping his athletic legacy from pressuring his children.
“As parents, I think we definitely want to give them the best, so they can become the best and most amazing people in the world. But I don’t want to put that pressure on them directly,” he says. “Most importantly, help them find what they truly want to do – hope they inherit the spirit of sports, never give up, find what they love and persevere to the end.”
Tang-Owen walked away from the conversation feeling inspired by Li’s insights on sportsmanship and legacy, and how his experience as an Olympian is reflected in the other important roles in his life.
“Perseverance, resilience and the spirit of staying focused on your goals and never giving up – these powerful qualities transcend sports and apply directly to business and life,” she says. “They truly form a valuable lesson to pass on to the next generation.”
Check out the video to hear more of Victoria Tang-Owen’s conversation with Li Xiaopeng as they tour the top floors of HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters and later face off on a pickleball court. This is the third episode of “The Elite Equation”, a four-part series sponsored by HSBC Premier Elite where host Tang-Owen meets stand-out individuals from the worlds of fashion, sport and business to find out what drives them to be the best as they pursue their passions.
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Disclaimer from the South China Morning Post:
This article is produced in partnership with HSBC for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by featured individuals are their own and do not constitute medical, insurance or financial advice. The South China Morning Post and featured individuals disclaim all liability for, and do not endorse or guarantee, any products or services offered by HSBC or its affiliates (including HSBC Life and HSBC Premier Elite).
