Jackson Wang opens up about giving up fencing to become an idol

Before Jackson Wang made it big on his music career, he was a saber fencer for Hong Kong's fencing team ranking first place in several competitions including the Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships.

After all, he hails from a long line of Olympians following the footsteps of his father, Wang Ruiji, an Asian Games gold medalist and his mother, Sophia Chow, who is a gymnast from Shanghai.

So it's no surprise that universities like Stanford would offer a sports scholarship to the growing Jackson in 2011.

Unfortunately for them, Jackson had other plans: to be a performer.

In an interview for 99.7 NOW, the Hong Kong rapper and GOT7 member opened up about the reason why he decided to give up the prestigious scholarship.

He tells DJ Fernando Ventura, “I've always had a dream of performing whether in music and in dancing.

“At the time, yes, I was preparing for the London Olympics and I had a scholarship from great universities but I asked myself, 'Would I regret this decision in the future?' Like when I'm 70 years old, would I regret it even once?

“I knew there were risks [involved]. Maybe, I would fail or maybe I would succeed but at least I tried.”

He proceeded to explain that while the decision was risky, he knew that there were a lot of people who'd want to be on the same path he's currently treading.

“I also know the fact that a lot of people dream of being where I am at the moment.

“How a lot of people dream of where I was at whether it'd be education, academics, sports, opportunities -- it's a bright [future] ahead.

“But, I really want to get through this feeling inside of me that told myself, 'I want to give it a shot.'”

During the short interview, Jackson also hinted that a new album is in the wraps under Team Wang and that he's looking forward to fans hearing it for the first time.

Adding, “First of all, thank you so much, everybody, for showing love to '100 Ways' and showing your love to me. And I love you guys a lot. I can't wait until the day I can travel again to meet you guys.

“For my next album, I already have 10 songs ready to release.

“It's gonna be a new vibe and it's not something you would expect from me.”

Watch the whole video below:

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