how I failed at my dream

Sometimes dreams don’t go as planned, like my journey with the Olympics. In this video, I share the lessons I’ve learned through setbacks and how they led to growth.
Are you following me? / chengman

[@pianoman159]

I remember you posting a video at the beginning of your Olympic journey a few years back. I always wondered what had happened. I'm glad that you gave it your all. That's more than most people can say, inculding myself, about their dreams. It's nice to see that you're in good health!

[@Chengman]

Welcome back! It’s awesome to see you here again. Appreciate your message. If there's something you've always wanted to try, go for it!

[@essgee4225]

@@Chengmanyou don’t succeed without failing bro that being said now you have time to make Asian Gangster videos

[@kingsleychan]

Where all the big foigs at!? It is him, Chengman, a legend in Vancouver. Thanks for sharing your personal journey, we're proud of your accomplishments.

[@Chengman]

I totally forgot I used to say that. Might have to bring it back lol! Appreciate you 🙏

[@LowLeveledPower]

Honestly bro, you WENT FOR IT. Which I already know will make you look back with no regrets, regardless of the outcome... It hurts now but trust me this pain is nothing compared to the thought of "Man I wish I would've tried track again when I was still young to see how far I'd go..."

[@ifhtfilms]

Thanks for being who you Cheng! Your vulnerability, determination and discipline are admirable 💪

[@Chengman]

This means a lot Matt 🙏

[@ssjkiego]

From pranking with a squirtles water gun to competing in the Olympics. I watched you through it all and I humbly accept this message.

[@couz96797]

Seeing you from doing pranks to following your Olympic dream to hitting rock bottom and then learning what you have experienced is wow!!!!!!!!!

[@Walk_The_Line_]

Wise words my man! Looking back I realized your easily one of my longest subscribed channels on KZbin going back 13-14 years. As a someone who was born and raised in Van City but now lives in Calgary and southern Alberta I’m glad you love it out here! Wishing you all the best in 2025!

[@Chengman]

That's been quite a while! Thanks so much for your support. Hopefully, we’ll cross paths at some point!

[@LiquidTurbo]

"I gave it my all, and I have no regrets at all". Thanks for the vid man. I needed it.

[@captainsavem]

so many people go through life without attempting to chase their dream, youre inspirational ya big foig, wishin you the best

[@frhbbtx]

Saw you in Calgary one time at happy lamb hotpot. You were with some friends and I didn’t want to interrupt. But it felt nice to see you were doing well - I used to watch your vlogs back around 2013 with papachew. Never thought you’d ever move to Calgary! Hope you stick around and wishing you all the best!

[@Ch1797]

Holy crap Chengman I haven’t seen a video of yours In over a decade…. Really interesting watch. Some dreams might end, but never give up on your end goal of success. You got this!

[@LouisLuzuka]

Honestly the story of this journey is crazy because I been there from the start through these videos 😢❤ thank you for the opportunity to see this amazing work you truly deserved to see this beautiful struggle to the end because otherwise it would be so hard to live with regret… thank you for years of dedication 🎉 excited for the next chapter but sad to see this journey come to an end 😢 but also happy for the future congratulations for all the years you gave to the sport ❤

[@inflowkevinko]

This is very inspiring Chengman I am currently chasing my basketball dream but at the same time my acting/social media dreams. I am in this limbo where I fear by doing two dreams at once I may not fully reach my potential for either of them. I would love to meet you one day, your track and field journey during covid times was very inspiring, I was really grinding through the mental fog of covid like you were.

[@keanu3260]

bro i used to watch you since i was in highschool i always looked up to you as i was an introvert and seeing you do public stunts always made me dream big to push myself out of my comfort zone. never feel ashamed for giving effort. and always team rompers XD

[@sitthisaksingmandeewised7568]

You’ve inspired me and I bet a lot of other people to pursue their goals and dreams. It has been so nice to see you go at it and trying to achieve your goals. I’m confident you’ll be successful in whatever you decide to do with your life in your next chapter.

[@Chengman]

Happy to hear I’ve inspired you to pursue your own goals. I'm working on something new so we’ll see what happens!

[@ismewarrrrrrrr1920]

It’s okay you’ll always be a Vancouver legend

[@hanyeoreumk]

Remember watching your videos when you were going for it too, and I'm glad you went for it bro. The next journey awaits. A lot of people don't even try for it. you're going to live without regrets man.

[@Chengman]

This comment means a lot. The journey was tough, but I’m grateful I went for it, and even more grateful for people like you who were along for the ride!

[@CheckTheseShorts]

Waddap big foig. Alot of people dont know the path behind becoming an Olympian. That the few people they see competing, doesn't show the thousands who couldn't walk any further. Im glad you shared your story. Thank you

[@MS-lw4fw]

Also from Vancouver too man. I'm still doing my undergrad at 23 yrs old at UBC as well. I sometimes think about how my peers are all moving forward and that I'm still stuck at Uni, makes me feel like a failure too sometimes. In high school, I was a provincial level cross country runner (qualified for provincials in both my grade 11 and 12 years), and I had the potential to redshirt for SFU and I had the opportunity to run there. Being in grade 12, I didn't really think much of it and decided to go to UBC instead. I always think about the what ifs and how life would be different had I gone the athletic route instead. Anyways, I am extremely happy that you dedicated yourself on your goal (even if it didn't work out) because it shows your strengths and good character, you have a lot more courage than most people give you credit for. Wish you all the best man, like you said, as one door closes, a new one opens. Keep rocking on man! Much Love!

[@bbajwa6116]

23 is still young for someone doing their undergrad

[@MS-lw4fw]

@@bbajwa6116 I agree Bajwa. Only problem is that I’m a year away from finishing and not completely satisfied with my career choice. So I can see myself switching and potentially burning some more years in school

[@TroungTran-g7v]

We love you Chengman! You’re a legend and OG influencer.

[@jasonator40]

Respect you went for it! Not many people would put themselves through that!

[@MrCHlNGster]

Dam man it's been awhile . Finally gave us the closure we needed as subscribers

[@tobedeleted2030]

It is i, chengman! Lol I had lost your channel as one of the most powerful asian content creators from back in my day , but that line reminded me of u! In this team we fight for that inch ! "to guarantee success act as if its impossible to fail"

[@Chengman]

I'll have to bring that back 😂

[@the10kracer]

Your journey has been an inspiration cheng! It's clear you gave it everything you'd had. Some might even say you went even further beyond! -Vegeta

[@hakushin_ch]

Thank you for your testimony to how even though you didnt hit your goal, who you became through your journey and what you gained along the way, thats the real beauty of your journey.

[@jq5150]

*Ryan* - Thank you for sharing your journey. No doubt there were an ineffable amount of experiences along the way, far more than you could fit into a 5-minute clip with all its nuances. I hope and know you can and will come to terms with this turning point in your life. I've found that mourning my dreams has been bittersweet, but it's part of the process of getting older and gaining degrees of wisdom. Time never stops and we keep going, and we just have to keep choosing the next path in life and do our best. Sometimes you don't want certain things to end, but it's just the natural order of all things. I hope over time you evolve and discover new journeys. I've discovered that new things come up in life that I want to pursue, bringing out new aspects of myself. You made it very far in something that is difficult to do. That will be remembered. And also just remember that you didn't fail - you chased your dreams. You *tried* and prevailed in unique ways. I'd call that a win.

[@gunnarolla]

MY IDOL

[@Chengman]

[@toby6814]

loved the whole journey bro, all of it! thx for documenting and sharing the ride bro!

[@Chengman]

It was my pleasure! Thanks for tuning in.

[@IPromise2win]

Thank you for opening up to your life journey experiences to chase your dreams. But even then you're still able to do things that makes you happy all along with time! Best cheers to you OG KZbinr Chengman! 🇨🇦

[@trolling_jinx]

Biiig fooiii u gona bounce back in no time bro! We all do

[@scalelabs]

At least you gave it all to achieve your dream so you have no regrets. Many of us dont even have the balls to chase our dreams. Good job Chengman!

[@LouisLuzuka]

Thank you for giving me hope ❤ u posting the journey during a hard time in my life and I appreciate you sharing your joy because of you I didn’t give up 🙏😭🏆

[@cristinahawke]

Aww, thanks for sharing this. I had an experience recently where I also felt like I had lost everything. It felt like I died inside for a while, but I'm recovering. It didn't feel like I would, but I am. It's really really devastating when a dream dies, and when we fail at something we'd been working hard at for years, with all our hearts. But I guess.. life just goes on. And eventually we form new dreams and do new things. We just need to hang in there and let ourselves recover and trust that things will work out for the best somehow.

[@JaireMusic]

Yo Chengman i remember you in my college years. Similar situation for myself where I tried to pursue music as a career, I gave it a shot but at the end of the day it wasn't viable considering the life i wanted (family and kids). However the people i met along the way definitely made an impact. Now I am back in school making a career pivot! Music will always be my passion and hobby, but sometimes real life kicks in and things change. Thanks for sharing your story. We don't see enough of the failures in people's journey and we only see success which is rarely the case for everyone!

[@kyledude2863]

Thanks for sharing. I had to come to the same conclusion with me and competitive swimming. It's hard to put something down that was pretty much your life. Only the few who played in sports really understand this feeling. That empty time turned into opportunities. Now I'm running marathons, which has led me to travelling the world, and meeting so many new people. Glad you've found your peace. It took me a while to find mine and I still think of the what if. But looking back at the journey is important to remind yourself that it wasn't all for nothing. Memories will last, but should stay as memories.

[@Chengman]

That's a tough thing you did. Letting go. But I’m glad you found another sport. Thank you for your comment bro!

[@donovantran9686]

so inspiring man, you should totally keep running at meets just for the love of the game and stay connected to the sport

[@Krazyerd]

You put in the work bro, inspiring regardless of how you felt it went

[@3danmensional0000]

Ohhhh YOOOO! Glad you’re doing OK bro. Watched you since I was middle school and I think the last time I watched your videos was when I was in high school. Now I’m graduated out l college and experiencing the hardships of life. Very inspirational and eye opening video bro! Can’t wait to see what the future holds. I wish you the best of luck. Keep the grind and mindset going!!!

[@david_miles83]

Bro, you have achieved so much during this journey of yours and watching you since day one, to me, you did not fail. Yes Paris is out of the picture now, but you worked so hard and done so much. I think the experience alone that you went through, you already have won. You have finished writing this chapter. It’s onto the next one. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter! Cheers

[@Chengman]

Thank you for your kind words! Your support since day one truly means a lot. Excited to be working on something new now 🙏

[@CommandoMaster]

Life is about the journey, not the end goal!

[@Th3Asmasm]

Don't worry you are capable of so much, maybe track wasnt for you but im sure something is out there, keep finding new dreams and make them happen!

[@CommandoMaster]

Nice to see u back on the grind.

[@mikelieu1726]

Things like this tend to happen a lot in all of sports. And it’s ok. Maybe your journey will lead you to helping others to try to achieve their dreams through coaching track and field. I wish you the best chengman.

[@shanmango]

Just going for your dreams increased your heat score infinitely. It’s very inspiring

[@bunlow32]

It is positive to hear failures can lead to other positive outcomes. I enjoyed watching your journey and hope you can put out future content whatever it may be. Long time follower....Big Foig!

[@pjscafe]

I remembered you announced that you wanted to be an Olympian several years ago. You pursued your dreams but you fell short. You're better as youtuber anyways. Good luck to your future endeavers.

[@m1chaelp]

I don’t have a dream fail story but I have a dream I am about to currently work on! A Podcast! Been following you since LGs and Team Rompers and it’s been great to see your journey through life! Hope the best for you in the coming years! *hands in* 1-2-3 ROOMMMPERS!

[@phoenixgal2000]

holy angelina jolie!! glad you’re back BOSS NGUYEN 💪🏼 2025 is ur year LESS BIG FOIGS MORE LGS 💯💴💕🥳

[@Chengman]

I’m with it 😂

[@S.Kay_]

I do not think that it is a failure at all. You were on a path that still brought you so much!

[@billlee2458]

Omg! I was wondering about your Olympic dream,as I've didn't pay any attention to the covid games. It's better to try than not try at all. Big foig.

[@medallionwinner]

It's the JOURNEY! Also, you came out with a much stronger physical (and mental!) self

[@xonacloud]

Been following this channel since the beginning. Proud of you chengman. I'm also moving to calgary soon from vancouver.

[@Chengman]

That's dope! What's bringing you to Calgary?

[@xonacloud]

@@Chengman I'm actually originally born in calgary.. I have family there but it's just a fresh start for me like you. Been in van for 10+ years now and decided it's time for change and like.. everything here is so expensive as you know LOL

[@hellowill]

Nah you went for it man. I quit many things during HS to focus on my studies and eventual career. Like sports, music, and even my attempt to be a pro gamer lol. I kinda regret it now. Life is not about jumping to the end, it's about the journey and experiences along the way. Also you trained hard and will be fit and healthy for life... how is that not a good thing.

[@Chengman]

It's a tough decision! Every path has its pros and cons, but ultimately, you have to be at peace with the choice you make.

[@therielworld]

Yes yes yes thank you for sharing !!!! Keep on keeping ❤on

[@Chengman]

Thanks Dani! You’re a real one. Glad to see you’re still grinding on YT 💪

[@RJ2MELLO]

thanks for sharing, big FOIGGGG!!! we're here to support if you're back on youtube

[@Chengman]

That's the plan!

[@sleepyjoe4529]

No worries big foig, you did what you did. No regrets. Now go get Ferba back

[@LouisLuzuka]

Thank you for sharing your joy with me ❤

[@Chengman]

My pleasure. Appreciate you so much. Always loved chatting with you in the comments. Thank you man!

[@LouisLuzuka]

@ man I’m sad but I’m also proud of you, thank you for not giving up. It’s better to love and lost than to never have loved at all, cheers to the next chapter 🫶🏼🙏🇨🇦🏆🥹 u still a winner to me

[@LouisLuzuka]

@ mad respect for you and this journey

[@shhitstheazn]

Always respected your hustle. followed since I was a freshman in college

[@everysingleguitars]

Respect , sometimes U just gotta go for it , win or lose , the journey is what matters 👏

[@Chengman]

Well said!

[@EthanM121]

It’s awesome you gave it your all for something you love.

[@skazey-skz]

this is inspiring thanks for the vid bros, really connects

[@illestJun]

Just did it. Good job man.

[@katechipata9934]

My dream was to be with a certain person but I am glad that it didn't work it out because the failure of that relationship led me back to my passions - fashion & beauty. Looking back, I see that he is the right man for someone else but not for me. My values and priorities are very different from his and I am ready to explore all the possibilities and find my soul tribe. Happy New Year!

[@sandwhicheater]

rare chengman upload

[@Chengman]

[@sunnybunny50]

yooooo welcome back!

[@Chengman]

Thanks!

[@Revenger3rdUnit]

Had to do a double take to see a new Chengman upload. Big foig!

[@Chengman]

😎

[@jasonng5053]

We can’t succeed without failing. 🎉 love the videos

[@HondaS2000kid]

Better then saying what if . As long you tried your best and gave it your all!

[@Chengman]

💯

[@netrokonamusic]

I wanted to be a film director or editor. I was actually able to achieve becoming an editor in NYC for fashion and advertising. I did it all throughout my 20s. After I got married, my priorities changed. Being an editor in nyc is a hustle. You need to constantly be networking. Fighting for the next gig and at the end of it you're making like 90k on the high end and much lower on the low end. So I decided to pivot to tech because I wanted to star a family, buy a house etc. I loved every second of working in media. Throughout the years I learned that just because art is not my full time job, doesn't mean it doesnt have to be gone forever. Now I enjoy making music, videos and art without the pressure of needing for it to pay my bills. I'm grateful for my insane 20s in that world. But I;m happy in this new much more stable and balanced life.

[@Chengman]

Good for you! The film industry is definitely not easy, and I resonate with this so much. I’m in tech now for similar reasons. I wanted stability, but I do miss working on content full-time. There’s something special about creating without the pressure of it needing to pay the bills. Your story is a great reminder that we can keep our creative side alive while building a stable and balanced life.

[@Tom-ry6hb]

Good to see ur doing well,i used to see ur uncle all the time at Kensington and he would mention u sometimes!

[@Chengman]

Thanks! He loves that gym 😂

[@anthonyshowrock]

Holy the big foig angelina jolie OG is back. Ive been following since 2012. At least you gave you gave a shot at your dreams. Some people dont even get to experience a glimpse of it.

[@Chengman]

Welcome back dude! You're so right. I have no regrets.

[@Tibeerious]

you're an inspiration man

[@ralphez]

Big foig, mad respect!

[@dotaboy888]

i remember you from thousands of years ago

[@Chengman]

I should be dead then 💀

[@meepmeepp-w5m]

Proud of you! ❤

[@Chengman]

😊

[@ethanonduty]

that sucks. Still would've loved to see you pursue athletics. I'm in a similar boat. Been running and trying to make it for almost 10 years now. This year was looking extremely promising. First year of my 10 years of running where i have bene healthy. Then a few days ago i blew out my right knee. Its another setback... sucks but in the meantime i gotta heal this injury

[@Zhi6969]

WELCOME BACK YA BIIIIIGGGGGG FOIGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[@cadgamer]

how long were you side lined from the injuries? Recently encountered my first sports injury and it definitely sucks.

[@Joshisjanky]

You are awesome dude.

[@richardhabibi]

Love how vulnerable and open you are in this video bro. Are you planning on staying in Calgary? Would love to hear more about what you like/dislike about the city from another Vancouver boy

[@Chengman]

That's a good video idea. Let me think on this!

[@henrychungfitness]

Big ups for going after that dream! Dreams also can change, so maybe next up is a triathlon? 😉

[@Chengman]

Maybe start at a 10K 😂

[@daytonchris8351]

sorry about your olympic dream homie. seeing you compete would have been one of the only reasons why i'd watch the olympics again. i know your video introduction would have been legendary. "he went from running around as squirtle and goku, to running around as himself on the olympic stage." lol

[@Chengman]

Thanks man. I'm grateful I gave it a shot. Already know that the introductions would’ve been lit!

[@3AsianBoi]

Will you be giving up on posting on KZbin? Love seeing your journey in life and vlogs in general

[@Chengman]

The plan is to get back into this. I’m already brainstorming ideas for future videos.

[@ahStarwok]

Thanks for sharing! Where do you live now? How you liking the new city

[@Keicora]

As someone who’s in the beginning stages of making their dream a reality, this is awesome to see. Thank you for sharing this with us all 🫶

[@unregisterdperson789]

Wow, really needed this right now. You truly are an inspiration man 🫡

[@jasonyu72]

What are your plans moving forward??? Like new goals, are you still gonna compete etc??

[@keithneuman2332]

Appreciate you sharing this bro!!

[@Chengman]

Thanks for tuning in bro!

[@jaysal_dies]

You'll get em next time, bigggg foig

[@tonystank_kick]

Respectfully we need the old chengman your videos were the shit back in the day

[@kjblackman]

Love this so much!

[@Chengman]

Kenny! You're one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting during my track career. Wishing you the best in everything you're pursuing now!

[@fpsfishing]

I remember the OG pranks and purses hahah

[@aquaviii]

Keep going no matter tough things are 😎👍

[@idkman1740]

Failing ia good for the soul homedog❤

[@brendon5553]

Wise words man

[@jason8761]

I respect you more for chasing a dream and failing rather than keep doing gangster pranks or vlogging. Cheers bro.

[@ViggenStory]

Zorddddddonnnn!!! 🐐

[@LouisLuzuka]

Checking in 🎉❤

[@john3113]

Do you plan on moving back to Van?

[@Chengman]

Nope

[@warkos3591]

Dudeee, that clip at 2:00 is in Montreal right? Claude Robillard? I live nearby!

[@Chengman]

It was. Where were you then?!