Torch bearer of London games sends wishes to Nanjing YOG

Wang Jian, former torch bearer of London 2012 Olympic Games takes an exclusive interview with jschina.com.cn on July 16. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

NANJING - Wang Jian, the only torch bearer of London 2012 Olympic Games from Nanjing shared his stories of sports in an exclusive interview with jschina.com.cn on July 16, while sending wishes for Nanjing Youth Olympic Games (YOG), which is only 30 days to go.

A sports star since childhood

Born in 1963 in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, the former Best-buy vice president and now president of Nanjing-based Fivestar Holdings had part of his school years in neighboring Anhui province as a "sports star".

He started to play basketball when he was in primary school. "I was just having fun at the beginning, but discovered that I have some talent." Later he was admitted to the school team and got to play in provincial level teen tournament.

Long-distance running is also a strong point of Wang. "I was the record-holder for the 800m, 1500m and 3000m track events for my entire high school years." he said with a proud smile.

After all these years, it is still easy to perceive his passion for sports after he became a successful businessman leading a large group with over ten subsidiaries. On his right wrist, he wears a Nike+ FuelBand which monitors him walking 10,000 steps per day for fitness. And in his office at downtown Nanjing, there is a photo of legendary Michael Jordan on the wall standing in contrast with other decorative paintings and calligraphy works.

"Sport has really become a part of me. I can hardly live without it."

"Sport has shaped me"

According to Wang Jian, he has benefitted much from the experience of a semiprofessional athlete: fun, team spirit, organizing ability, communication skills, independence, sense of honor, and most importantly, a good body.

"All in all, it is sport that has shaped me into what I am." said Wang.

He shared one particular story about long-distance running.

When Wang was a third-year grader in primary school, he decided to start long-distance running with an older boy in winter. Getting up at 6am in winter is no easy job for a boy, but the craving for championship gave him the impetus he needed.

"The memory of my childhood running days goes so fresh whenever I breathe in cold winter air." Wang said, "Sometimes when I look back, I would even admire the childhood me. Without a strong willpower, I couldn't have managed it."

From a civil servant to a business leader, Wang had ups and downs in his career. At every crucial turning of life, or even despairing moments, "that willpower really helped me a lot. Thanks to that experience, it has etched perseverance into my DNA."