Parents provide safety net for extreme athletes

Longboard lover

Wu Hongjun is a farmer in Jilin province. His 29-year-old son, Wu Enming, is a professional longboard rider who has his own brand and media platforms in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province.

The 51-year-old doesn't approve of his son's activity, so he was pleased when Wu Enming took a stable job as an urban planner after finishing college in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. However, the young man quit after about six months and moved to Beijing to focus on his longboard brand. He relocated to Zhengzhou last year.

Wu Hongjun was angry, and other family members were also firmly opposed to Wu Enming's decision to quit his job, because in their opinion sports will not bring him a stable future and showcase his talents.

"I was so sad when I heard he had lived in a basement in Beijing for a year when he practiced the longboard there. The family worried about him after learning he had quit his 6,000 yuan-a-month job, especially as he only earned about 3,000 yuan a month in Beijing. We didn't know how his future would be without a stable job and income," Wu Hongjun said. He added that riding the longboard is a young person's sport, so as Wu Enming ages and begins to lack the energy required, he may find his efforts were in vain and he will be left with regrets.

Wu Hongjun is also worried that the risks inherent in extreme sports may affect his son's marriage prospects and scare the parents of future girlfriends.

In China, parental opinions often have a significant influence on children's decisions regarding jobs, marriage, children and almost every aspect of life. Some parents even arrange matchmaking dates for their unmarried children.

"What if his future girlfriend's parents don't want their daughter to marry a man who plays extreme sports? Maybe I am a little stubborn or traditional, but I think all parents hope their child and their family can live safely and stably," Wu Hongjun said.

He often asked his son to drop the sport, but gave up after understanding Wu Enming's passion for longboarding and the fact that he had overcome many obstacles on his journey.

"I didn't have the heart to obstruct his choice, so I was helpless. After thinking about it for several days, I realized that it is his life's path, so he should follow his heart, no matter if that brings pain or joy, failure or success. Additionally, the extreme sports scene is improving in China, so he may seize some opportunities and be a success," Wu Hongjun said.

Wu Enming returns to Jilin once or twice a year, and whenever Wu Hongjun gets the chance, the two discuss the young man's career plans, work and relationships. Although Wu Hongjun still doesn't fully support his son, he has full confidence in his ability.

"I often tell him that no matter what job he does, he must plan well, ensure his own safety and not make the family worry too much. He always says that he keeps those words uppermost in his mind," Wu Hongjun said.