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Lee Wing-Sze

At what age did you start your  swimming training?

During the summer holiday when I was 10, my brother and I participated in a swimming training course held in the Sports Institute. When I reached 12, my coach recommended I enter the Hong Kong Swimming Youth Team, which was when I began training seriously.

Why did you choose  swimming as your main sport?

The fact is, I was chosen by this sport. Because I'm good at swimming I spend time on it.

What has swimming taught you?

Swimming gives me a lot. Before I participated in swimming, my circle of friends was small. I got around only with my schoolmates. But after I started swimming, I met many friends and made overseas friends from representing Hong Kong in regional or international events. It also offered me many overseas experiences.

You represented the SAR in the Sydney Olympics last year.  What did that experience mean  to you?

Through participating in the Olympic Games, I learned about world-class swimming competition. I saw Australia really stressed sports. Take swimming as an example - all tickets were sold out in every session. Compared with Australia, Hong Kong lacks the sports element and atmosphere.

Beyond that, the facilities and accommodation there were really good.

What training programme do you follow?

I train two hours every day except Sundays. In addition to the in-water training, there's six- hour on-land physical training,  such as running and weights every week.

Have you ever sustained a serious injury in your sport?

In the middle of last year, my patella ligament was torn during a session of weight training, requiring physiotherapy. It's fortunate that no surgery had to be carried out.

I also stopped my training for several months to prepare for the HKCEE public exam.

This injury was very stressful. I thought: 'What can I do? Can I recover and get back in shape before the Games?'

Was your performance in the  Olympic Games affected by not  training for several months?

This did affect my performance in the Olympic Games. Because of preparing for the public examination, I stopped training for more than five months. I had only four months to prepare for the Olympic Games. It's hard to push yourself into good shape in such a short period.

I spent the whole summer holiday training. Besides the regular training, I had extra sessions in the morning on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday.

When you stopped training  to study, did you worry it might  compromise your performance  in the Olympic Games?

I had no choice. This is a problem for Hong Kong athletes. Hong Kong still emphasises academics more than sports. If you can't get good academic results, the school won't take you and promote you to Form Six just because you excel in sports.

Frankly, sports is only an interest to me. The good record I have in swimming is a kind of motivation to myself to continue playing sports. Study is still the most significant. I want to enter the university to continue my studies. Sometimes I will skip my training if I have tests and exams.

Do you think this is related to the culture in Hong Kong?

Yes, I think so. For example, in China, there are many children engaged in swimming at a very young age and they just focus on the training. In Hong Kong, sports is still more of an amateur pastime.

Did anyone in particular  influence you in swimming?

Many people have had an influence on me. My family encouraged me a lot. They're really supportive. They didn't ask me to stop training after I completed Form Five, and they always come to cheer for me.

How does someone become a good swimmer?

You have to maintain your focus in every training session. Don't be distracted, and put all your mind to swimming. You can't be lazy. The training is tough, but if you give up, it's a waste. So not giving up is crucial.

What is your target in the near future?

Participating in the Olympic Games was my dream. Now my goal is to win more medals. We have a chance for medals in the Asian-Pacific Games. I hope I  can achieve this goal in the coming few years. My target in the coming Asian-Pacific Games is to finish in one of the first three places in 100m backstroke and 400m freestyle relay.

Are there any athletes you admire in particular?

Robyn Lamsam Ng Siu-bun, the former fastest female swimmer from Hong Kong, studied at the same school as me (Diocesan Girls' School). She was in Form Seven when I was in Form One. She was not only good at swimming, but also in studies, and she participated in many extra-curricular activities like drama. Apart from that, she won a medal in the Asian Games in an individual event and relay.

How does sport affect you?

Swimming is good for physical fitness and for my health in general. Sports also make my lifestyle more disciplined. I train every day after school. After I complete my  training I go home to do homework and studying. It's a very healthy lifestyle.

What were your feelings after  being awarded the Hong Kong  Junior Sports Star Award this  year?

I was quite surprised as I spent only half a year on swimming last year. Maybe going to the Olympics was a bit of an advantage.

You set seven national records within two days in the  recent Hong Kong Short Course  Swimming Gala. What was  behind this big improvement?

I've adapted to my new coach's training programme, and the swimming carnival I attended in South Korea served as a warm-up.

Name: Sherry Tsai Hiu-wai

Birthday: September 4, 1983

Birthplace: Hong Kong

Occupation: Student



Focus opens door to success