He was just 13 years old and had spent most of his childhood moving from one country to the next with his mother Zinaida, Trotsky's daughter, seeking refuge from Stalin's persecution.

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Seven years ago, Xiang, then aged 13, was taken into one of China's many Sports Technical Schools where children are offered the opportunity to bring fame and fortune to the mother country by winning on the international stage.

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Keep in mind I've got a sister who's a teacher, my mother spent time teaching -- one of the most important jobs that we have in this country.

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