|
Wang Deshun(middle) on the podium to receive awards at the 2015 Beijing Youth Film Festival. (Xinhua photo)
By Irene Wong
BEIJING, Oct.14 (Xinhuanet) -- Since shot to fame by strutting shirtless down on a catwalk fashion show in 2015, the inspiring 80-year-old Wang Deshun has been dubbed hottest grandpa in China.
The grey-haired grandpa has wowed the audience with a toned physique rarely seen in people of his age.
In a video widely circulated on many social networks and video-sharing apps, Wang said, "Many people may think I became an Internet sensation overnight. Actually I've been preparing for my runway moment for 60 years."
In an increasingly ageing society, Wang never took age seriously.
Born in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning Province, he became a theatrical actor at 24, began studying English at 44, migrated to Beijing to learn pantomime at 49, started working out at 50, created his own style of "living sculpture" at 57, studied horse riding at 65, and featured in runway at 79.
"I'm 80 now. I still have dreams to chase after. Believe me, your potential is yet to be explored. When you say it's too late, you should be aware. You are finding excuses for giving up. No one can keep you from becoming a better self except you."
"In him I see a spirit of unremitting self-improvement," said a post on Weibo, China's famous social network.
"I'm deeply touched. It's never too late for anything," said another post.
