From world champion to street performer

From world champion to street performer

A former gymnastics world champion has been spotted performing on the streets of Beijing for money.

Zhang Shangwu, an ex-member of the China national team,has been performing gymnastic stunts at Wangfujing Metro Station, making some 30 yuan (RM14) a day.

He moves from one place to another and is constantlychased away by security guards.

"I know nothing but gymnastics, I can only use this talent to make a living," he said, adding he still has to take care of his critically ill grandfather.

The 27-year-old's ordeal has put the plight of retired athletes struggling with poverty, injury and joblessness under the spotlight.

Zhang and his medals

Zhang was sent to an amateur sports school in Baoding of Hebei province in 1988, when he was only five.

At 12, he was selected into the national gymnastics team.

At 2001 Summer Universiade, Zhang won a gold medal.

Also, together with Olympics champions Xing Aowei and Yang wei, the trio won a gold medal for the men's team.

While training for the 2004 Olympics games, Zhang suffered a tendon injury and was forced to give up his professional career the next year.

He then joined the Hebei provincial team, until he retired in 2005.

Zhang was sent to jail for theft in 2007.

Upon his release from prison in April, Zhang has been travelling to various places to perform the stunts.
Source: Agencies

Published July 16 2011