Zunwu Zhou
I met Zunwu while doing another photoshoot and interview with Brandon Aguilar in Chicago. He caught our attention right away with his BMX skills. I decided to approach him and introduce myself. He was very open and curious about what we were doing as well. We talked briefly and exchanged information. I took a photo or two of him and said let’s keep in touch.
Fast forward a few months later and we decided to do a photoshoot and interview at the end of the summer. During our interview we got a little sidetracked as we talked about life, food, culture, the universe and many other things. It gave me a chance to see who he was outside of BMX. What stood out most about Zunwu was how easy going he was as we spoke. He talked about the things he loved with a ton of passion.
I do hope this interview shows you a side of a man who’s from completely culture. Someone who is pleasant and living a beautiful life.
Zunwu thank you for your time, conversation, and the start of a friendship.
Who is Zunwu?
My name is Zunwu. I was born and raised in China and moved to the United States back in 2011 to pursue my degree in chemistry. I graduated from undergrad in 2015 then started my PhD at the University of Arizona and then I moved to Chicago in 2021. I started riding BMX in 2006 at the age of 14, in China. I had gotten into BMX after watching a lot of the X Games. I would visit amusement parks where they would have professionals putting on shows. It really caught my attention, as no one else in China was doing it. I have always been one to try and do something different than others. I just wanted to be me. My first bike was one that you got from Walmart; I was constantly breaking parts. I started saving up money until I could get a more professional bike.
Time growing up in Wuhan China
Whenever I think back about my time in China its still mind blowing, even though I’ve been in the states for quite a while. Living my life over there is completely different than my life here. every aspect of life, food, school, social interactions, language. The entire environment is different. Its hard to put into concrete words but the cultural difference is huge. I feel like I was a different person over there because of the culture than I am here. My parents are still in China, I miss my family a lot. Another thing I miss is the authentic Chinese food. I miss the chaos side of China, there is always stuff going on there 24/7.
Why did you come to America?
I felt my personality and lifestyle would fit in more here than in China. I would describe myself as outgoing and out there. I love to do whatever I want to do vs having a society that is controlled and you have to follow. I grew up listening to American music, watching Hollywood movies, I knew I would eventually come here.
As I matured, the desire to move became more concrete. Became more aware of the communism China, and I didn’t want to live that way, controlled. I wanted to be able to be myself. I knew that I wanted to come here. I didn’t know when or how when I was little but as I grew and had more of an understanding, I figured out a way to move and travel, through school, I applied, took the SAT, and Boom! Here I am! Even though the whole process was really hard, I even now I’m still really glad that I’m here.
Where does your courage come from? To me it takes a lot of courage to move across the world and live out your dream.
My parents always pushed me to be the best, there was motivation in knowing there is always room for improvement. That in a way helped to push me not only in my studies or BMX but in life itself. It developed courage as in I always needed to push myself to be better, do better, work harder.
BMX Flat Land, Learning Curve?
When I first started riding, when I didn’t know any trick at all, the first few ones I did was the most exciting ones. I went from not being able to ride a bike to doing a bar spin. It gave me sense of accomplishment. I was way more motivated back when I first started than I am now, but it doesn’t matter how busy I get, I have always made sure to set aside time to ride. My goal isn’t to become professional but more to keep enjoying it, it will always be a part of my life, a part of my hobby.
A big part is the risk, getting hurt. Sometimes when I got hurt really bad, I was scared to the point I wouldn’t try it for a while, or I wouldn’t do it at all. But sometimes that motivated me to learn it more so I could get over that fear.
Whos your greatest influence with BMX Flat land?
I would say, different riders have their own tricks. I don’t have just one, but I really like Matt Wilham. He has been riding for over 30 years and has show’s in the Chicago area for kids, he does a lot of spinning and crazy tricks. Another BMX rider that is from Louisiana, Terry Adams. He has a really good style.
*THIS IS THE PHOTO I TOOK WHEN WE FIRST MET IN CHICAGO.
