姚明入选2016NBA名人堂

姚明入选2016NBA名人堂&演讲(同声翻译郑平)

姚明演讲全文英文Esteemed Director LiYuyi, distinguished guests, friends in the media：Good

afternoon!Todayis an important day for me. It is a day of special significance for both mypast professional career and future endeavors.Atthe end of last year, I once again had a stress fracture in my left foot andhad to sit out of basketball. Since then, like many friends who cared about me,I waited and hoped that I could return. It was also a frustrating period, manythoughts crossed my mind. Today, I am ready to announce to everyone mydecision: I will end my athletic career and formally retire from the game ofbasketball.Atthis moment, looking towards the future and looking back through the past, myheart is full of gratitude.Firstand foremost, I want to thank the game of basketball. This great sport hasbrought joy to untold numbers of people, including myself. When I was fouryears old, I got my first basketball. At nine, I entered a youth sports schoolin Xuhui district (in Shanghai).I joined the Shanghai Junior Team at 14. And when I was 16 years old, I put onmy dad’s former number, and joined the Shanghai Sharks senior team incompetition. Basketball has allowed me to follow in my

family’s footsteps. WheneverI see the joy and satisfaction in m y parents’ eyes, I feel a strong sense ofpride. I was also fortunate to win a CBA Championship with my teammates for thecity of Shanghaiin 2002. From that moment on, basketball has connected me with this great city.During that same year, I entered the NBA. Basketball has led me to a bigger andbroader stage to showcase my abilities. It’s a dream for many to play for theNational Team. So in fulfilling my dream, I am especially grateful of theopportunity to play for my country for so many years. And because ofbasketball, I have found the love of my life Ye Li, and a lifetime ofhappiness. Basketball has given me so much and for this, I want to thank thegame of basketball.Ialso want to thank life. No matter if it’s my beloved basketball or otherendeavors. It is all just a part of life. I believe life is like a guide. Ifyou follow him faithfully, he will open doors to wonderful worlds for you.Today, I am retired from basketball, and one of those doors is closed. Butelsewhere, another door is opening and outside that door is a new world waitingfor me to experience and explore。Eventhough I am leaving the basketball court, I will not leave the game. TheShanghai Sharks team is how my professional life will continue. I am continuingto learn about managing and running the team and will do my best to