An Inspiring Day with Olympic Champion

“Do you remember your first badminton racket?”
“How did you overcome the challenges of training and living in a new city when you first arrived in Guangdong?”
“What thoughts crossed your mind when you won the Olympic Championship?”

Recently, BBSG had the incredible honour of hosting Ms. Yang Wei for a special roundtable session. Ms. Yang Wei is the 2004 Athens Olympics Women's Doubles Champion (Badminton), 2005 World Championships Women's Doubles Champion (Badminton), and Director of the Guangdong Badminton and Tennis Project Management Centre. Two student representatives from BBSG Junior Secondary joined her for this fascinating discussion: one was the leader of the student badminton club, and the other was the recipient of this year's Talented Athletics Scholarship.

From left:

Max M, a Grade 6 student and BBSG 2024-25 Talented Athletics Scholar.

Holdwent Y, a Grade 9 student and leader of the student badminton club.

Ms. Yang Wei, the 2004 Athens Olympics Women's Doubles Champion (Badminton), the 2005 World Championships Women's Doubles Champion (Badminton), and the Director of the Guangdong Badminton and Tennis Project Management Centre.

Ms. Anna Liang, BBSG Student Development Counsellor.

Ms. Kassidy Lan, Hostess and BBSG performing arts and drama teacher.

The visit from an Olympic champion presented an exciting and unique opportunity for BBSG students who are passionate about sports. The two student representatives had prepared insightful questions covering topics from badminton and Olympic experiences to life after retirement and advice for younger athletes. Ms. Yang shared her journey from her early days as a young athlete to compete on the world stage, offering profound insights into competitive sports and the Olympic spirit.

A Champion’s Perspective: The Glory and Hardship in Competitive Sport

Max M began by asking, “When you moved from Hubei to Guangdong at our age, how did you adapt to the new environment and training routine?” Ms. Yang’s response was surprising: “It was really challenging. When I first arrived in Guangzhou, I couldn’t speak Cantonese, which made communication difficult.” She learnt Cantonese in just three to six months with the support of her roommate and a strong desire to succeed.

“I used to think being an athlete was tough. However, as an adult, I have come to realise that I face even greater challenges. However, the resilience I developed as an athlete helps me navigate these obstacles and approach them with a positive mindset.”

In the realm of competitive sports, the spotlight of success can be incredibly short-lived. For athletes, the daily grind often involves intense training that pushes their physical and technical limits. This demanding routine is what cultivates their strength, resilience, and perseverance.

The atmosphere was electric as students eagerly asked questions in both English and Chinese

Be Prepared for the Worst to Achieve Success

Professional athletes excel not only in their skills and fitness but also in their ability to maintain a positive mindset amidst intense pressure and setbacks. Ms. Yang shared her journey with the BBSG community: she reached the world’s No.1 ranking in just four months with her partner. However, before they could truly enjoy their success, they were unexpectedly eliminated in the first round of an international tournament by a pair of Korean competitors.

“I felt completely shattered at that moment and realised that maybe we shouldn’t let success go to our heads. Now, I always prepare for the worst-case scenario. If you can accept that possibility, the actual outcome tends to be less daunting.”

Ms. Yang also honestly reflected that an athlete's career is often short-lived. Each of us has different goals at various stages of life and now is the time for her to set new goals and pursue her passion for badminton. Her insights transcended competitive sports, offering valuable inspiration about life goals, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining a broader perspective.

Ms. Helen Gong, Deputy Head of Pastoral and Student Development and Head of BBSG Junior Secondary, presented Ms. Yang with the World of Work (WOW) Mentor Certificate

Ms. Yang took photos and gave signatures to BBSG students

A Master Class in Badminton

As part of the event, our badminton club students, exchange students from Benenden School, and PE class participants engaged in an exhilarating "Master Class" led by Ms. Yang.

This hands-on session allowed students to improve their badminton skills under the dedicated guidance of a true champion

The excitement was evident as they practised their techniques, receiving invaluable tips and encouragement from Ms. Yang

Embracing the Spirit of Sport

Participation in sports is a vital component of every student’s educational journey at BBSG. Our enrichment programme supplements our comprehensive curriculum with a diverse range of sporting opportunities. Our excellent facilities support our commitment to offering the best sporting programmes for all students, irrespective of their abilities. We provide over 30 sporting options, including swimming, basketball, tennis, squash, and, of course, badminton.

This commitment to sports not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and a sense of community among our students. We employ highly qualified teachers and trainers who contribute to various sporting fixtures, competitions, and tournaments, helping to nurture talent for both national and international events. The lessons learnt through sports extend beyond skills and trophies; they shape life choices and instil enduring values.

Group photo after Master Class

We express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Yang for sharing her inspiring story and embodying the spirit of sportsmanship from the perspective of a professional athlete. Looking ahead, BBSG is excited to host our annual sports day in the coming week. Our students will also participate in the GBA Cup Youth Sports Tournament, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and sportsmanship on a larger stage. We look forward to continuing this journey and empowering our students to pursue their dreams, whether in athletics or any other field they choose.