"If I had an opportunity to choose what I wanted to do in childhood, I wouldn't go for tennis. It is a sport that I was always pushed to do, first by my parents, then provincial and national sports administrators. It is very important for us to have the right to choose. I really mean it." ~ Li Na
Er... okay... but you see many parents, schools and governments made choices for kids.
And would she be a pro tennis player today if it's weren't her parents or the government? I hope she knows what she's talking about and the impact of that statement.
But again I must applaud her outspokenness which resulted in a major overhaul of China's notoriously strict sports administration.
Along with Zheng Jie, Yan Zi and Peng Shuai, the girls were the first to be allowed to leave the state-supported system at the end of last year.
The quartet now have more control over their own careers and can keep a larger proportion of prize money.
(Via The Press Association)
