The daily life of being a professional athlete
Alumna Kwan Ning-Hui was once a full-time athlete and recently returned to her alma mater to share her training routines, life experiences as a martial art althete, and the journey of her career transition with younger students. Her rich experiences and sincere stories inspired those present, deepening their understanding of the spirit of sports and life goals.
Kwan recalled how she embarked on her martial arts journey. In her childhood, she tried swimming and ballet but never found a true passion. It wasn't until she accidentally attended a martial arts performance that she became deeply fascinated by the power and beauty of martial arts. She described, "Martial arts is not just a sport; it's also an art. It taught me focus, patience, and perseverance." From that moment, she began her martial arts training and gradually became a full-time athlete.
Kwan specializes in Nanquan/Southern Fist (南拳) and Tid Sin Kuen/Iron Wrie Fist (鐵線拳). Throughout her 27-year athletic career, she has won numerous awards, including:
- Gold Medal at the World Traditional Wushu Championships
- Gold Medal at the Asian Traditional Wushu Championships
- Gold Medal at the East Asian Games
- Silver Medal at the World Wushu Championships
- Silver Medal at the Asian Wushu Championship
She conquered the competition with her strength and determination, bringing glory to Hong Kong's sports community.
However, behind her success, Kwan also faced tough challenges. She shared a deeply memorable experience: on the eve of a competition, she suffered a severe injury to her right knee, facing a crisis of potentially not being able to continue training. She recalled, "That period was extremely difficult. I had to endure not only physical pain but also psychological pressure." During her recovery, she faced each day with a positive mindset and determined spirit, gradually returning to the competition with the help of her physical therapist.
In her sharing, Kwan particularly emphasized the importance of the athlete's spirit. She said, "The daily training of an athlete may seem monotonous, but it is this hard work, resilience, and grounded spirit that allows us to give our all on the field and face challenges." She encouraged the younger students to persist in their goals and be brave in trying new things. She said, "Because of passion, we persist; because of persistence, we succeed."
After retiring, Kwan became a paediatric physical therapist. She expressed that her background as an athlete gave her a deeper understanding of bodily functions and rehabilitation, enabling her to better help children in need of care. "Compared to being an athlete, my current work is equally meaningful. I hope to use my expertise and experience to help more children start healthier lives."
This sharing session not only allowed students to understand the life and challenges of an athlete but also inspired them to maintain resilience and a proactive attitude in the face of difficulties. The school thanks Kwan Ning Wai for her generous sharing and looks forward to more alumni returning to share their experiences, providing inspiration and encouragement to the younger generation.
