Push-up contest lit competitive spark for ultramarathoner

Born on a small island in southern China’s Zhejiang province, Chen Penbin was resigned to fishing for a living and rarely setting foot on the mainland — just like his father and grandfather before him.

Now 39, the man dubbed ‘China’s Forrest Gump’ is an ultramarathon icon and has become a national celebrity for competing on all seven continents in his pursuit of endurance excellence.

“I was like a frog living at the bottom of a well, only able to see the little patch of sky above and never daring to believe that I would be living a different life other than fishing,” Chen said of his childhood.

Determined to ease the burden of a family barely able to make ends meet, Chen went into the fishing business with his father and brother after his graduation from primary school.

That venture might have temporarily narrowed his ambition, but it steeled him with a resolve and discipline that eventually paid dividends in his athletic pursuits.

“Since I was very young I knew I needed to stand on my own feet as soon as possible,” Chen said.

“My father had to hire another man to help us on the boat. Although I was only 13, I wanted to replace that man and help to cut down expenses for my father. So I would never be lazy. I learned quickly to always give it my all when I was working.”