At the 1984 LA Olympics, Li Ning became the most decorated athlete for China at their only second Olympics participation. He won in total 6 medals (3 gold, 2 silver and a bronze) in gymnastics. He did not repeat his success in the next edition. Post-retirement, in 1990 he started footwear and sporting apparel company that bears his name, which is a well-known brand these days. His moment of glory came in 2008 when he was chosen to ignite the cauldron at the opening ceremony after being hoisted high into the air with cables and miming running around the rim of the stadium.
