Ramping up ambitions

In 2012, Gao Qunxiang won a junior national championship in Shanghai and became a rising star in the skateboarding community. His first senior national championship came in 2017 as he dominated the G-Shock Skateboarding Championships with stunning performances. He retained his title the following year.

Gao and Sun represented China at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia where they reached the finals of the street and park events respectively.

They look back on that tournament as an opportunity missed.

"Both of us were too cautious at that time,and we didn't perform many skillful moves that we could have," said Sun, who is five years older than Gao.

"We thought we had more opportunities,"he added. "But sometimes you are given only one chance to shine."

While the dream of racing for medals in international events for China came to an end, another dream was about to start.

After the ups and downs of the National Games, Gao told his parents and cousin about his plan to launch a skatepark in Xi'an.

"I've always dreamt about operating such a park of my own," he said, reasoning that if he had the use of such a professional venue in his younger years he could have achieved more on the international stage.

"I appreciate the support from my fans across the country, especially when I was in hospital," he said. "There's no reason why I shouldn't pay them back."

Using his career earnings, Gao rented a factory workshop in the suburbs of Xi'an.He hired a design team from Shanghai and transformed it into a skateboarding "paradise" where new talents can be nurtured.

With Gao being a perfectionist, the official opening of the park was delayed from early July to August - almost missing the summer vacation which is prime time for attracting his youthful target market.

Gao Yong, who organizes a sports training camp in Xi'an, does what he can to advise and support his son's new enterprise.