I finished University 4 years ago and am now working as a Teacher of French and Spanish at a Secondary School. I actually just moved last month from Cambridge in the UK to Singapore to work at an international school here (so getting used to running in the heat again…!)
What years were you part of 26?
I remember being part of 26 for most of Secondary School, it was definitely a huge part of my life from age 12-18. I think I joined in 2009 and left HK to go to University in 2015 but kept coming back whenever I could after that!
Which was your favourite 26 session and why?
I think the open-water swimming sessions at Repulse Bay (if the game sharks and minnows were allowed)! The Repulse open-water sessions often came after a hard bike session so you felt really accomplished after, but it was also such a relief to be able to get in the sea and cool down.
What if your favourite 26 related memory?
I have many cherished 26 memories. I absolutely loved all of the aquathon races and the camaraderie that came with them; as soon as you saw someone in a 26 tri-suit everyone would start cheering. It often ended with brunch at Classified after too which was great motivation! I also loved the Shek O Challenge swim race that always had a big turn out and finished with a BBQ on the beach. It was definitely the people that made 26 so special to me though and I still keep in touch with lots of them!
What advice would you give to current 26 athletes?
My first piece of advice would be to make the most of the incredible group of athletes you have around you at 26. There really is no group like it! Celebrate each other’s successes and work together to help everyone improve. I would also say try to be there for each other; both athletically but also in everyday life too. There is so much that goes into sporting success and creating a team environment, and you never know how much it might mean to someone if you make the effort to chat to them at a track session cool down or Redhill warm up. I would also say try to be as organised as you can, especially with school commitments and pressures too. The more organised you can be, the better time management you will have. And finally, enjoy it! Even when you are suffering on the last 500m of a race, try smile and remember you do it because you enjoy it!
