| Women Talk Sports |
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Interview Special with Hannah Chin
I think it’s very much the influence of my family members – my sister who got me into joining the netball team, and my daddy. He was an outstanding sportsman during his younger days, and has a whole collection of beautiful trophies at home which I’ve always pretended were mine when I was a small girl. My mummy was a very good bowler and ice-skater too. And of course, I like to take on new sports challenges. I was into competitive sports all the way through my hostel days at the National University of Singapore. Q: Was there ever a period when you didn't exercise? To be honest, I’m not sure. From primary school to junior college, we had Physical Education classes. My university days were also packed with intensive training for the different sports I played for the Inter-Hall Games. While I was working in Singapore, there were weekly beach volleyball sessions and the occasional tennis games with my boyfriend and friends. Even when I relocated to Hong Kong for work, I signed up for regular gym sessions. I also do my daily ascent of steep slopes and stairs, which are aplenty in Hong Kong, to and from home and my work place as a form of exercise. I might have skipped exercising during examination time but then I’ll hit the gym or the beach again after that for a good workout. Q: Hong Kong is an even more competitive and fast-paced society as compared to Singapore, how do you keep up with enjoying sports while based in Hong Kong? Having relocated to Hong Kong for close to four months now, it’s really hard to enjoy sports as I used to. Firstly, it’s winter time now in Hong Kong, which means beach volleyball is out. Secondly, work is really piled up and I also don’t have many friends over here who are into doing sports. I’ve even tried looking for recreation clubs to join but realise that I just don’t have the time. The best option left was to sign up for a gym membership, which would keep myself moving on the treadmill and also take on the occasional kick-boxing or yoga class.
Actually, I always hit the snooze button whenever my alarm goes off. The trick is set my alarm at least 15 minutes earlier to allow for some snoozing. I don’t actually need to do anything to motivate myself to get out of bed. I think it’s all in the mind. Even if it’s a Monday when most people just think about Monday blues, simply look forward to start off the day afresh and think about the events that’s going to happen and how I am going to face them. Well, to put things in context, maybe it’s because I’m a very active and sporty person, so I tend to be able to be more upbeat about things – even waking up. Q: Do you have a favourite piece of sports gear? I have a lot of favourite sports gear such as my rollerblades, my tennis racket, my volleyball, my free weights and many more. But I think my pair of rollerblades can be considered my favourite because it was the first item I bought with my first pay. At that time I was I had just finished my A-levels and was waiting for the results. That pair of rollerblades also gave me the freedom to rollerblade anytime and anywhere, without spending money to exercise, since it was just a one-time investment on the gear. Embracing sports as part of my lifestyle has definitely brought out my stronger and determined self. Nothing is impossible for me as long as I have the will and discipline to fulfil my goals. Engaging in an active and healthy lifestyle also keeps me alert and refreshed most of the time.
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Hannah, 25, an assistant manager at an art gallery based in Hong Kong, got hooked on sports during her primary school days. In fact, even before that she has always been a hyper-active kid, constantly trying to pick up new things like cycling and swimming. It was when she started primary school that her elder sister “psycho-ed” Hannah to join the same extra-curricular activity she was in – netball. She was also on the school track and field team and was even involved in competitive skipping. Hannah loves the adrenaline-rush and fast tempo in doing these sports. Despite her many commitments like studies, band, work, boyfriend and of course, girlfriends too, she will always find ways to be involved in some form of sport as she feels that a healthy and active lifestyle keeps her refreshed.
