The ability to complete “the splits”, an athletic dance and gymnastic pose, is an indicator that one is extremely flexible. Although difficult for many, to Li Zongxin, an 89-year-old man who lives in Nanjing, this position is a piece of cake.
Li Zongxin lives near Hongqiao and has been very interested in sports since childhood. Li said that his previous job was in the financial sector, which doesn’t greatly concern sports. From the early 1970’s to this modern day, he has practiced tai-chi and splits on a regular basis.
“Once I turned 85, it became difficult for me to do a split. I now have to practice daily,” said Li, who feels that practicing the splits is beneficial for his general health and wellbeing. “Walking has become very easy and climbing is no longer a problem. I habitually climbed the Zijing Mountain once a week for 16 years,” Li added.
Now Li is nearly 90 years old but doing the splits remains easy for him. This has impressed others around him immensely. “I am also very proud,” Li said. Presumably, this athletic grandpa has not seen anyone older than him complete a split.
