At the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), we take pride in our alumni who have transitioned from the pinnacle of sports excellence to becoming influential leaders in the business world. Among them are Olympic champions who have applied the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking from their athletic careers to their business endeavors. As the Paris Olympics get underway, we wanted to highlight some of our distinguished alumni who have achieved gold medals at the Olympics and are now excelling in the business arena.
Li Xiaoshuang
1992 Barcelona Olympic Games Men’s Floor Exercise Champion
1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Individual All-Around Champion
CKGSB EMBA Class 9
Li Xiaoshuang’s journey from an Olympic gymnast to a business leader is a testament to his versatility and determination. As a two-time Olympic champion, he demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance, qualities that have carried over into his business endeavors. At CKGSB, Li Xiaoshuang gained critical insights and skills that have enabled him to navigate the complexities of the business world with the same precision and dedication he showed on the gymnastics floor.
Li Xiaoshuang emphasizes the importance of systematic management in both sports and business. “Good athletes thrive on autonomy, setting goals, and achieving them through a structured approach,” he says. This philosophy has translated into his business ventures, where he leverages his sports discipline to implement institutionalized management, driving organizational success.
Li Xiaopeng
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Team Champion
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Parallel Bar Champion
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Team Champion
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Parallel Bar Champion
CKGSB EMBA Class 21
Li Xiaopeng, another stalwart of gymnastics, has seamlessly transitioned into the business sector. His multiple Olympic gold medals speak volumes of his commitment and excellence. At CKGSB, Li Xiaopeng honed his leadership and strategic thinking skills, preparing him for success in the competitive business environment.
For Li Xiaopeng, managing a company is akin to participating in team sports. “Teamwork is crucial,” he notes. “The collective strength of a team is what leads to success.” This mindset has helped him foster a collaborative environment in his business, ensuring that each team member’s strengths contribute to the company’s overall achievements.
Liu Xuan
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Women’s Gymnastics Balance Beam Champion
CKGSB MBA Class of 2018
Liu Xuan, renowned for her balance and poise, both on the beam and in her professional life, has utilized her Olympic experience to excel in business. Her time at CKGSB was instrumental in broadening her business acumen and enhancing her leadership capabilities, which she now applies in her entrepreneurial ventures.
Liu Xuan’s experience as an athlete taught her the importance of flexibility and adaptability in pursuing business goals. “In business, just like in gymnastics, it’s crucial to break down grand visions into achievable short-term goals,” she says. This approach has helped her navigate the complexities of the business world, maintaining focus and resilience.
Wang Liping
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Women’s 20km Race Walk Champion
CKGSB EMBA Class 33
Wang Liping’s endurance and determination, key to her success in race walking, have been pivotal in her business career. At CKGSB, she developed a robust understanding of business strategy and operations, which has empowered her to lead with confidence and vision.
Wang Liping draws parallels between entrepreneurship and sportsmanship, both requiring perseverance, goal-setting, and relentless effort. Her journey from an amateur athlete to an Olympic champion mirrors her entrepreneurial path, where persistence and resilience are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Xing Aowei
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Men’s Gymnastics Team Champion
CKGSB Executive Education Cultural and Creative Program
Xing Aowei’s teamwork and discipline, integral to his Olympic success, have greatly influenced his business approach. His education at CKGSB provided him with the tools to innovate and excel in the cultural and creative industries.
Xing Aowei believes that persistence is the key to success. “The Olympic spirit of perseverance is engraved in my bones,” he states. This enduring spirit has driven his business endeavors, where he continues to push boundaries and strive for excellence, much like his journey to becoming an Olympic champion.
Li Na
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Women’s Tennis Semi-Finalist
French Open and Australian Open Grand Slam Winner
CKGSB Business Scholar Program
CKGSB EMBA Class 30
Li Na, a trailblazer in tennis, has leveraged her global sports fame and strategic insights gained at CKGSB to become a prominent figure in the business world. Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills are a testament to her multifaceted talent.
Gong Lijiao
2021 Tokyo Olympic Women’s Shot Put Champion
CKGSB MBA Class 2022
Gong Lijiao emphasizes the importance of new concepts and continuous improvement. “Learning beyond training helps in analyzing and solving practical problems,” she states. Her approach to business involves applying the same dedication and strategic thinking that led her to Olympic success.
Zhang Mengxue
2016 Rio Olympic Women’s 10m Air Pistol Champion
CKGSB MBA Class 2022
Zhang Mengxue sees her post-Olympic journey as a new beginning. “Stepping off the podium means starting from scratch,” she says. Her focus is on continuous learning and diversification, stepping out of her comfort zone to achieve success in various dimensions.
Xu Lijia
2012 London Olympic Laser Radial Women’s Single-Handed Dinghy Champion
CKGSB MBA Class 2023
Xu Lijia values the positive attitude and focus that sports instill. “Sports teach us to cherish, be grateful, and stay focused,” she says. Her business philosophy revolves around continuous learning and adapting, ensuring she remains prepared to face new challenges.
These champions exemplify the transformative power of a CKGSB education, applying their Olympic spirit to excel in the business world. Their stories inspire us to pursue excellence relentlessly, embodying the values of perseverance, teamwork, and innovation. At CKGSB, we are proud to support these extraordinary individuals in their journey to become global business leaders.
