Cecilia Yeung Man-wai, a 30-year-old high jump athlete from Hong Kong, is an inspirational figure in sports, having achieved a silver medal at the 2017 Asian Championships and fifth place in the 2018 Asian Championships.
Her journey highlights that attitude is everything, showcasing three essential attitudes that can lead to success.
Attitude 1: Embrace the unpleasant
Yeung believes that to achieve your goals, you must be willing to do things you don’t enjoy. This philosophy extends beyond athletics to academics. Yeung funded her education through an Instagram shop, showcasing her commitment to self-reliance and hard work.
Attitude 2: Enjoy the competition
Initially, Yeung was overly focused on winning, which led to stress. She learned to enjoy the moment during her first university games in Taipei.
“It’s about having fun,” she said, noting that the support from cheering fans made all the difference. This shift in mindset transformed her approach to competition and reduced her anxiety.
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Attitude 3: The power of encouragement
Training overseas in countries like Australia opened Yeung’s eyes to the importance of encouragement.
She was impressed by the supportive environment, where coaches and teammates frequently cheered her on. Inspired by this positive vibe, Yeung aims to bring a similar atmosphere to Hong Kong. She hopes to coach young girls in the high jump, emphasising that dedication is more important than talent.
Yeung’s journey has not been without challenges; she has faced multiple injuries, teaching her patience and resilience. For students aspiring to balance sports and studies, she advised mastering time management. With her busy schedule, starting each day with high jump training sets a positive tone.
Her final message? “Allow yourself to express your emotions.” With a quote from John Lennon, she reminds young athletes that everything will be okay in the end.
Junior reporter Khan Bibi Naila, Lingnan Dr Chung Wing Kwong Memorial Secondary School
