Macao Polytechnic University held the "Gold Medal Athletes Sharing: From Macao Polytechnic University to World Champions" at the Lecture Theatre in Wui Chi Building on November 29th. The event brought together numerous gold medal-winning students and alumni from international competitions such as the Asian Games, World University Games, Student Games of the People’s Republic of China, and World Wushu Championships, to share their journeys towards achieving their dreams. The event attracted nearly 200 students and staff from MPU.

During his speech, MPU Rector, Prof. Im Sio Kei, expressed gratitude to the coaches, students, and alumni for their outstanding performances and efforts in various international sports competitions. These included winning one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games; two silver medals at the 31st World University Games; one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal at the 1st Student Games of the People’s Republic of China; four gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the 16th World Wushu Championships; and one gold and two silver medals at the 2023 World Combat Games. Prof. Im praised the students and alumni for demonstrating a positive and determined spirit during the competitions, setting a good example for the youth of Macao and the students of MPU. He encouraged everyone to take champion athletes as role models, pursue their dreams with relentless determination, unleash their potential, and contribute to the development of the country and Macao.

During the sharing session, Li Yi, a graduate of the Bachelor of Physical Education and graduate of Master of Science in Sports and Physical Education, and who was the gold medalist in women's Changquan at the 19th Asian Games and the world champion in women's Qiangshu at the 16th World Wushu Championships, shared her experiences in overcoming anxiety and moving forward with a positive mindset. She emphasised the importance of remembering one's responsibilities and staying committed to one's beliefs; only through hard work and perseverance, one can see hope.

Sou Cho Man, a graduate of the Bachelor of Physical Education and a student of the Master of Science in Sports and Physical Education, and who was world champion in women's Changquan and women's Gunshu at the 16th World Wushu Championships, shared her experience of preparing for the competition in the United States. She discussed how she overcame jet lag and adapted to the time difference, as well as the key strategies she employed during the competition. She emphasised the importance of leveraging strengths, avoiding weaknesses, and utilising the most effective competition strategies that suited her own abilities.

Chan Chi Ngou, a student of the Bachelor of Physical Education and the world champion in men's Nangun at the 16th World Wushu Championships, explained that despite already having won the championship, there was still room for continuous improvement in both technical skills and mental ability. From his experiences in the Asian Games, he reflected on his shortcomings and made timely adjustments to overcome them, finally achieving the title of world champion in the World Wushu Championships.

Wong Weng Ian, a student of the Bachelor of Physical Education, who was the gold medalist in women's optional qiangshi (University Division) at the 1st Student (Youth) Games of the People’s Republic of China and the silver medalist in Jianshu and Qiangshu at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games, said that when facing pressure, she appreciated the assistance of her coach to help her to make adjustments. She emphasised the importance of focusing on oneself and staying dedicated to one's own abilities in order to perform at one's best level.

Ku Hio Lam, a student of Bachelor of Physical Education and the bronze medalist in the men's Sanda 56kg at the 16th World Wushu Championships, shared his training process and insights before the competition. Combat sports require spontaneous reactions, but every move needs to be practised thousands of times on the training ground before the actual competition.

The gold medal athletes not only shared their personal experiences but also interacted with the students during the activity. The participating students said that they benefited a lot from the sharing. Through the inspiring stories of the champion athletes, they learned about the values of hard work, self-challenge, and perseverance embodied in the spirit of sports. After the sharing session, students eagerly took photos with the gold medal athletes, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Distinguished guests attending the sharing session included Vice Rector, Dr. Lei Ngan Lin; Secretary-General, Ms Lei Vai Fong; Chief Coach of the Macao Wushu Team, Iao Chon In; members of the Wushu team as well as MPU students including Kuong Chi Hin, Lao Un Kei, and Hung Si Fan; Deans and Associate Deans from various faculties, department heads; and faculty members and students from the university.

MPU Gold Medal Athletes Sharing Session spreading positive energy

MPU gathers numerous gold medal students and graduates from international sporting competitions to share their journey of pursuing dreams