Deciding to become a career athlete requires a lot of discipline, but rest assured that Li Ning is not lacking it at all. In fact, during his gymnastics career he won so many medals. Six of those medals are what defined his fame, after he participated in the 1984 Summer Olympics which was China's (The People's Republic of China) first year of participation. After Li Ning's retirement he entered the business world starting a company called Li Ning Company Limited. Footwear and sporting apparel was now taking on a new meaning in China. In honor of his athleticism and generosity for being the first Chinese Sporting Goods Company to make a donation to the Olympic Museum, we recognize Li Ning's contributions in business and sports. Here are some shots of this history making athlete.
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - ... Li Ning, Chairman of Li Nin poses for a picture during the Li Ning donation ceremony to the Olympic Museum on July 26, 2011 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Li Ning is the first Chinese sports brand to donate to the Museum. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Li Ning)
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - .... Li Ning, Chairman of Li Ning and IOC President Jacques Rogge sign the agreement as Asafa Powell of Jamaica, Zhang Yining of China and Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia look on during the Li Ning donation ceremony to the Olympic Museum on July 26, 2011 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Li Ning is the first Chinese sports brand to donate to the Museum. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Li Ning)
What a way to start the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Lausanne Museum is the worlds largest Olympic Museum. Li Ning's Brand Name will be engraved on the museums wall as an acknowledgment of the company's generosity.