International Tutors' Magazine April 2019 | Page 15

APRIL 2019 of the team. I believe athletes shouldn’t get down on themselves. When I first entered the Hong Kong Wushu Team, I had been feeling a bit self- abasing, because I was Once you comparing myself to recognize your other teammates and strengths... forgetting about my own advantages. Therefore, I would advise athletes to just try; they could find their strengths and self-confidence if they just don’t give up a positive attitude. Q: What advice would you give aspiring elite athletes or people who want to improve and build up their self- confidence? Ken: Junior players, especially primary and secondary school students, may not clearly recognize their strength or abilities yet. They should first figure out the kinds of sports they enjoy, and then distinguish the positions which they could handle well. Take football as an example; a student who can run fast or has good strength could try the strikers’ position, while a student who has fast reactions may try being goalkeeper. Once you have recognized your strengths, you can easily develop self-confidence. ...you can Ruby: I would also develop self- recommend that junior confidence. players first distinguish their unique values and strengths. Everyone has their own advantages, and those places are our sources of self-confidence. Furthermore, athletes should practice hard during training, as practice makes perfect. Throughout training, people can enhance their strengths. Finally, I suggest talking with coaches and friends, Counterclockwise from top: Ken has represented Hong Kong in many taekwondo competitions; performing with fellow athletes; Ken also plays on EdUHK dragon boat and dodgeball teams. Opposite page: Ruby at the 9th Asian Junior Wushu Championships. all photos by Chan Ken Ho Hin 15