WEEK #2: MONICA S.

 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.


I grew up playing almost every sport, but the main two that I stuck with were hockey and soccer. I was born in, and have lived in Hong Kong for most of my life, until I graduated high school! So most of my athletic career has been there. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete internationally in places such as Bulgaria, Japan, Finland, South Africa, Thailand, Singapore, and many others, as a member of the Hong Kong Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, and with sports teams at a varsity and club level, in soccer and softball. Since graduating high school in 2019, I have started studying Science and Business with a minor in Economics at the University of Waterloo. Outside of sports, I really like traveling, eating lots of good food, watching Netflix, and I love dogs!!


What is an issue or topic you are passionate about or would like to see changed? 

 

Being a female athlete, I have experienced, and seen others experience discrimination in sport, and during regular day-to-day activities. People have told me I can’t do something simply because I am a girl, or look a certain way. Discrimination doesn’t always look the same, and someone may be discriminated against and denied opportunities based on their race, sexual orientation, and gender, among other things. From these experiences, I have learned that it is very important to have difficult conversations with people who are being discriminatory, as well as being discriminated against. People may not always be aware that they are discriminating against others, so it is important to bring it to their attention. Getting the conversation started is the hardest part, so go in with an open-mind, while being sensitive to other people’s perspectives, and hopefully you can inspire others to do the same.

 

What specific strategies would you like to see parents, coaches, or sport administrators do to improve diversity in sport or progress your cause? 

 

With the growing use of social media, especially among younger female athletes, it has become more common for them to develop body image issues. They have easy, unlimited access to the content created by professional athletes, who will usually only show highlights of their life, when they look their best. There is no blueprint for how you are supposed to look for your sport. Every individual’s body is different, and that needs to be acknowledged more often. When an athlete is not comfortable or confident with their body, it can often affect their performance in sport. It can be beneficial for parents, coaches or sport administrators to place more emphasis on, and facilitate workshops that focus on body positivity, and elevating women in sport, regardless of their shape and size. For female athletes of all ages, it is beneficial when we hear someone else who we can relate to, and listen to how they worked towards overcoming their similar internal struggles.

 

What is your favourite leadership quote? 

 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

 

If you had 25 words worth of advice to share, what would you say?

 

Your opinion of yourself is the most important one. Be proud of yourself, follow your passions, and live life with no regrets.

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

I really enjoy listening to the Athlete Stories podcast on the Nike Run Club app while I run, or even go on walks. They are very motivational, and remind me to continue trying my best even when it gets tough. These podcasts also encourage me to put events going on in my life into perspective.

 

https://www.nike.com/nrc-app