February 1999

Hong Kong Squash Queen

Rebecca Chiu Wing Yin

    Ms Rebecca Chiu Wing Yin, aged 20, is presently studying at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education. She is easy-going and talkative. Here are some of what she said:

    "You see, my right arm is obviously larger and more muscular than my left one. Isn't this ugly?" After saying so, she unrolled the long sleeves of her clothe so as to hide her arms.

    "It is more convenient and trendy to have a short, boyish haircut. Yet I believe that long hair suits me better." Followed by a sweet enduring smile.

    In 15 minutes' time, the competition will begin. Sweat keeps dripping down and I can't help gripping the racket tight. It's the final game for the 13th Asian Games, a match that I have been looking forward to for a long time.

    Because of the game, I have had no time to prepare for the coming exam. In the past couple of months, everyday I had to spend two hours practicing squash. When my friends went shopping after school, I had to receive training. Yeah, it was quite harsh, but I have gotten used to it. All these sacrifices will mean nothing if I can win the gold medal. My opponent is tough and she defeated me in the last competition. Yet, I know I am equally capable as her.

    Hearing the National Anthem, I suddenly become aware that the match is about to begin. Gosh! Many of those bosses are sitting in the spectator stand, watching me play the game. Why is the atmosphere so tense and serious? This is really pressurizing!

    How come my heart is pumping so fast? I need to be calm, if not, how can I win the game? I hope my dad and mum are here. They have always been very supportive. As long as I am doing fine in my studies, they will not intervene in my practice of squash. They are indeed proud of my success. They are always the ones whom I share my happiness with. I must not let them down.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, the game is going to begin. I would like to introduce the contestants of both sides: Ms Chiu Wing Yin representing the Hong Kong Special Administration Region and Ms Nicole David from Malaysia. Ms Chiu earns the right to serve first."     Just now when I picked up the ball, my mind immediately flashed back to the time when I had first got in touch with squash. I was only nine years old and my Physical Education teacher happened to be a friend of the squash coach in the Hong Kong Sports Institute. I was later selected to receive training there. When I was twelve, I started to take part in international competitions on behalf of Hong Kong. At that time, I did not seriously think about my future. I just wanted to play with my pals.

    In retrospect, I am glad that I have grasped such precious chances. To me, squash is not merely an interesting sport; it is something that has enabled me to know more of the world. I have gone to so many places around the globe that I cannot clearly remember how many countries I have been to. Let me see, surely I have been to Malaysia, Japan and Australia; also Singapore, New Zealand, Germany, India, Jordan and Sri Lanka.

    Hey, no! I should stop my mind drifting around like that. I have to concentrate on this game. It is really arduous to beat Nicole. What a challenging foe she is!

    "Ms Nicole gets the first set."

    Oops, how can I lose the set so soon. Well, it doesn't matter.

    Experiences tell me that being calm is the only possible way to victory. I have to clear my thoughts and rectify my strategy for the next set.

    I take a glance at my coach. From Tony's eyes, I am sure he understands what is in my mind. By any means, he is an excellent coach. He used to be a squash player in the Hong Kong team. Without a word, he can fully comprehend what I am going to say and soothe my anxieties as an athlete. He is also an open-minded guy; and he is always willing to discuss problems with me and strive for consensus.

    "Ms Nicole is leading two sets to nil. If she gets one more, she will be the champion of today's game."

    I am in total chaos. It seems that my dream is broken which means I have to wait for another four years! But no, I can lose anything but my confidence. Doesn't the present scenario resemble what I encountered in the 1997 Asian Junior Squash Championship? That time, I also lost the first two sets but I managed to win the last three and ultimately won the game. Why can't the same thing happen again?

    Compared to the past, I am lucky to be an athlete in this era. There are relatively more funds and support from the community towards the development of sports. Many of my fellow Hong Kong teammates have also got brilliant results in international tournaments. They have raised the eyebrows of the general public and lifted the social status of sportspeople. I am proud to be one of them. Winning the game means a lot not only to me, but also my coach, my family and the future of squash in Hong Kong as well.

    "Ms Nicole David has won three straight sets. Please congratulate her in securing the gold medal."

    It is over, finally, after so many months of strenuous drilling. With the presence of countless journalists and flashlights, I have to wear a smile on my face and appear to be strong. To be honest, I am very down and want to burst into tears. However, when I approach Nicole to congratulate her, I do mean it. Her strengths reflect my weaknesses and I have learnt a lot from her. Outside the squash arena, we are really good friends.

    Now, the reality is here, in front of my eyes. I can only be the first runner-up of the game. It is actually not that terrible, Rebecca. No one can stay at the peak all the time. It is no doubt fascinating to have a taste of the victory, but does it matter that much losing it? No one will be a permanent loser and I promise myself that I shall take " revenge ".

    Laying comfortably on the hotel's bed, I think about my future. Should I become a professional squash player? If the answer is yes, I would have to travel around contesting on my own. This may not be so suitable for me, as I detest loneliness and tranquillity . I love to have people around me. I love talking, babbling and chirping! Haha, I am definitely not a person who will make endless sacrifices for squash.

    Moreover, the Hong Kong government does not give sufficient financial assistance to athletes, especially after their retirements. How can I making a living as a full-time squash player?

    True, I may be able to get medals, fame and recognition by playing squash, but all these are not comparable to a university degree. Therefore, after finishing the Asian Games, I should devote more time to my studies.

    Actually, ten or twenty years later, may be I can become a successful coach of some outstanding squash players... Hey! This is a marvellous idea!

    Right now, I want to go abroad, preferably to Springfield in the States, to further my studies. There are more well-trained female squash players. I will have more opportunities to better my skills by exercising with them.

    I am not an ambitious person. To me, success of an athlete is not to win all opponents, but to progress and perfect all the time. I wish I could be like San San, and to retire at the most honourable moment when everyone remembers me. But there is still a long way to go, right?

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