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Olympic Judo Champion Yang Yung-wei Inspires Chiayi Students to Turn Setbacks into Growth

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Olympic judo silver medalist Yang Yung-wei shared his life story with over 150 students and parents in Chiayi.
  • He encouraged young people to transform setbacks into growth, emphasizing that dreams require persistence and discipline.
  • Yang highlighted how judo taught him respect, discipline, and resilience, inspiring students not to fear failure.

Olympic judo silver medalist Yang Yung-wei spoke to over 150 students, parents, and teachers in Chiayi on July 5, sharing his journey from a grassroots athlete to an Olympic medalist. His talk, titled "To Wear the Crown, One Must Bear Its Weight -- What Judo Taught Me," focused on transforming setbacks into growth.

Every fall can become the strength to stand on the podium next time.

— Yang Yung-weiRecounting his journey and encouraging students not to fear failure.

Yang recounted his experiences since starting judo at age 10, influenced by his mother and brother. He spoke of overcoming numerous failures, low points, and confusion, ultimately persevering to win Taiwan's first-ever Olympic judo medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He stressed that dreams have no shortcuts, requiring only persistence and discipline.

Judo has completed me.

— Yang Yung-weiDescribing the holistic impact of judo on his life beyond athletic competition.

"Every fall can become the strength to stand on the podium next time," Yang said, encouraging students not to fear failure. He explained that judo provided more than just athletic skills; it taught him respect, discipline, etiquette, and an unwavering attitude towards adversity. He believes that continuous effort can turn every setback into valuable nourishment for future success.

The value of education is to open a window for children to see the world.

— Chen Tien-tingCommenting on Yang Yung-wei's story as a life education example.

Attendees found Yang's story to be a powerful life education lesson. Chen Tien-ting, a listener, stated that education's value lies in opening windows to the world for children, and Yang's rise to the global stage serves as the best life education material. Zhuang Su-chung, chairperson of the Chiayi County Education Outlook Association, added that the association aims to inspire children through the real-life stories of role models, and Yang's journey exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship. Park Tzu Mayor Wu Pin-jui affirmed that success in sports is never accidental, and the city government will continue to support educational and cultural activities to bring more role models into schools and communities.

Success on the sports field is not accidental; every medal behind it is the result of years of accumulated effort.

— Wu Pin-juiMayor of Puzi City, emphasizing the hard work behind athletic achievements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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