Daring to Try: Winning Your Own “Gold Medal”

Among sports defined by power and speed, squash stands apart as a game of both intensity and intellect. Within the confines of the court, every shot and rebound follows an ever-changing trajectory, demanding split-second judgment. Every match is a game of "three-dimensional chess”, a test of observation, strategy and agility all at once. This art of seeking breakthroughs within constraints echoes the spirit of modern women: undaunted by limits, bold to take on challenges and daring to chart out their own course.

Joey Chan, the feature interviewee of this issue, fully embodies this spirit. She has brought honours to Hong Kong on the international stage, including capturing the women's team gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, a landmark achievement as Hong Kong’s first-ever Asian Games team gold in squash. After retiring as an elite athlete, she made the transition to become a coach, continuing to inspire on the court with her experience, resilience and strength. Whether standing in the spotlight or working behind the scenes, she has always embraced challenges and pursued breakthroughs and growth with courage and determination.

Picking up the Racket, Building Confidence

Joey’s journey with squash began almost by chance, during an ordinary summer holiday. Her parents hoped that she and her sister could build an exercise habit, so they encouraged them to try different sports, including badminton, tennis, and judo. She laughs that they picked squash because of her mother’s casual remark, "The court has air-conditioning and you won’t get tanned." Few could have imaged that this casual comment would spark a professional sporting career. What started as a casual try-out soon grew into a genuine passion. As Joey trained alongside her sister, her talent bloomed, and she discovered her love for the sport. Before long, squash became an important facet of her life.

Joey reflects that squash not only led her to achievements but also built her self-confidence. She describes herself as an introvert by nature, shy and reserved, and not particularly expressive. Yet squash pushed her out of her comfort zone time after time. International competitions, overseas training, and exposure to athletes from diverse cultures all helped her discover her voice and belief in herself. She even found herself hosting the Hong Kong Squash Championships on the television. Her growth resonates with many women in both work and life: confidence, while is not always innate, is built through effort, perseverance, and the courage to face challenges. With each new challenge, women find strength and courage, and establish their own rhythm and place in the world.

Hanging Up the Racket, Exploring New Possibilities

After hanging up her racket as a professional player, Joey did not step away from her passion. Instead, she shifted gears to explore other dimensions of sport. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Physical Education and Recreation Management at Hong Kong Baptist University, and later worked with the Hong Kong Sport Institute, handling logistics such as scheduling for local athletes. "That period gave me a fresh perspective. I realised that the world of sports is not only about competing, but also about managing people, logistics and opportunities. Also, life has many paths," she says.

A new path appeared in 2023 when a call from Head Coach Peter Genever came, reigniting Joey’s connection to the court by inviting her to return as a coach. It was an opportune time: squash was confirmed as an official event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games that same year. For Joey, this new challenge felt like a full-circle moment. She smiles, "Though I cannot participate as an athlete, I am pursuing my dream from a different vantage point by leading the new generation of players to strive for this highest honour."

Focus on the Present to Be at Your Best

When asked about her coaching philosophy, Joey mentions the influence of her mentor and former Hong Kong squash athlete Rebecca Chiu. Joey recalls 2014 when a herniated disc shook her confidence, and it was Rebecca’s encouragement that helped her rebuild herself. The most memorable moment was a reminder from Rebecca right before the semi-finals of the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games: "Once you get on court, play boldly. Focus on the present, and don't overthink." Those words became Joey’s compass, not only during that match but in her coaching life. She understands that athletes face far more than performance anxiety, as demands from long-haul traveling, ranking pressure, logistical arrangements, and mental stress also come into play. But when the mind is calm and focused on the present, one can unleash the true potential. These words became the shot of confidence that ultimately helped her and her teammates win the historic gold medal for Hong Kong.

Balancing Body and Mind for Peak Performance

"Taking care of the body is crucial for women, and even more so for athletes." As a coach, Joey deeply understands that performance is influenced not only by physique and technique, but also by how training and competition are adjusted according to different physical conditions. She points out that menstrual cycles and physical condition fluctuations may affect performance. She encourages female athletes to understand their body cycles thoroughly and work closely with their coaching teams to formulate appropriate training and nutrition plans.

Just as important is mental wellbeing. In an age dominated by social media, Joey observes that young female athletes today face greater psychological pressure, not only on the court but also online. Social media and widespread information bring constant comparison, where success stories are amplified while struggles are often hidden. Seeing others celebrate victories without the struggles can easily trigger anxiety and self-doubt.

To counter that, Joey places great emphasis on her students' mental health, frequently reminding them to focus on their own efforts and progress rather than others' social media "stories". She often encourages her students, "Either I win or I learn." With every setback being a lesson in disguise, she hopes athletes not to be overly obsessed with winning but understand that "losing" has its own value. "If a person only wins, they stop growing. But when you fail and rise again, that’s when real growth happens," she smiles.

Epilogue

Transitioning from athlete to coach, Joey carries forward the flame of Hong Kong squash with open heart and courage, and redefines what legacy truly means. She teaches not only skills but also values; she shares not only experiences but also strength. The walls of a squash court are more than surfaces where the ball rebounds; they are also mirrors reflecting Hong Kong's female athletes’ talent, courage and tenacity for continuous breakthrough. Their stories remind us that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones towards greater heights. Meet challenges with courage, calm and wisdom, and life will reward you in unexpected ways.

At our conversation ends, Joey shares a gentle yet powerful encouragement: "Your life is yours. You do not need approval from others." This belief, shaped by years on the court, speaks to every woman striving to shine in her own arena. With courage, faith, and wholehearted effort, we can all win our own "gold medal".