Olympic champion starts new as a ‘maker’

Xing Aowei in a 2002 competition. [Photo from xinhuanet]

Xing Aowei still has something athletic in him. Away from the national gymnastics team for more than a decade, he still keeps the good figure of a world champion. But Xing has transformed himself into an entrepreneur, or “maker”.

Xing established a We Media Platform on sports and cultural activities months ago, which has drawn more than 300,000 active followers.

Xing said the platform was designed to be an all-dimensional exhibition platform for athletes. “I　find that few platforms can demonstrate our sports celebrities comprehensively,” he said, “athletes take part in lots of events every day, and have lots of ideas, but lack a channel to freely interact with the fans.” That’s where he comes in.

The platform, with lots of first-hand information on sports and celebrity stories, became increasingly popular among sports fans.

Xing showcased the homepage, whose original articles include the reading day of the national gymnastics team, or Tiger playing golf in Beijing. The articles have high click and reprint rates.

His platform is attracting more and more funds and talents. Xing and his team are now settled in a cultural and creative basement outside the East Fourth Ring Road in Beijing.

Besides the We Chat Platform, Xing also established a photostudio, a costume design office and a café in the sunken plaza.

Xing thanked his gymnastics career, which made him “firm and rigorous” enough to face all challenges in the entrepreneurial process. “All these years’ gymnastics training and competition have prepared me for difficulties, and made me an earnest man, which are necessary for a maker,” he said.

Speaking about his future plans, Xing is proud and confident, “We are fast, trendy and funny. I believe we can go far as we cannot be replicated.”