A group of senior athletes in the city of Tianjin have become local celebrities for their unique gymnastics skills. They hold regular training sessions in a park and even have their own fan club. Ning Hong has more.
This is the life Tong Yugen always dreamt of becoming a gymnastics star. He finally realized his dream in his 70s and has even become the leader of a team of elderly athletes sharing the same ambition.
TONG YUGEN Leader, Tianjin Laowantong Gymnastics Team "I always dreamt of becoming a gymnast, and started practicing gymnastics ten years ago. It is a habit now, and we come here every day to train."
The average age of the team is over 60 and the most senior member is in his 80s. They train in a park in Tianjin and outdo most young athletes by the stunning performance they put on. They combine gymnastics with Chinese acrobatics, creating some unique performances which takes both courage and years of practice.
TONG YUGEN Leader, Tianjin Laowantong Gymnastics Team "Don't be bothered by old age. You should believe you are still young. That's what I do."
And they even have a fan club.
SUN LILI Leader of Fan Club "We have about 30 members, mostly ladies of my age. We often come to watch them practice, just like we did in our 20s."
The gymnastics team now has over 300 members, whose life after retirement seems to be anything but boring. Ning Hong, CGTN, Tianjin.