The Force is Strong in This Student Athlete

For some, a childhood dream will always be just that – a dream. But Anson Wong has transformed his love as a young boy for the lightsabre in the Star Wars films into a living reality. Anson is an elite fencing athlete and a Year 1 student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at HKU, admitted through the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme in 2024.

What’s even more interesting is how unlike a fairy-tale ride to success the journey was. In fact, when he first tried fencing as a youngster by taking some foil classes, he didn’t feel very inspired by it and ended up dropping it. A few years later, a friend convinced him to give fencing another shot, this time trying out a sabre class. The fast-paced, dynamic nature of sabre fencing instantly appealed to him in a way that foil hadn’t.

He also learned about time management well before arriving at HKU, especially the discipline and tenacity needed to both train for fencing and study for his A-levels in the final years of secondary school. “Balancing my studies with training was particularly tough, and there were times I felt like giving up on my sport. Fortunately, my teachers were incredibly supportive and offered extensions for homework, which alleviated some pressure. Additionally, my coaches allowed me to take study breaks during my A-Level exam period, enabling me to focus on both my academics and sports,” he recalls.

This experience as well as the adaptability offered by HKU’s curriculum to its sports scholars has been key to his transition to university life. On weekdays, he starts his day with morning training before heading to classes. If time allows, he returns for afternoon training sessions. On weekends, he takes a break from training which allows him to catch up on schoolwork.

“I’m trying to balance my studies with training and other commitments by taking advantage of the flexible class schedule that HKU offers, which will allow me to allocate my time effectively between academics and sports,” he says, adding, “I plan to use the resources available, such as the Hong Kong Sports Institute psychologist, to have someone to talk to when I feel overwhelmed. This support system will help me manage stress and maintain a healthy balance in my life.”

Anson notes that this is just one of many important factors that led to his choice of HKU for his studies: “I was drawn to HKU because it’s a world-class university with a vibrant international community. I chose the BBA programme as my parents, both businesspeople, often included me in their discussions around the dinner table, which sparked my interest down this path.” They are also his role models: “Their grit and determination inspire me every day. They always strive to do everything to the best of their ability, and their support has been invaluable during tough times. Whether in academics or sports, they encourage me to push through challenges and pursue my goals with confidence.”

He is also aware that there is a world of interests and activities at the University waiting to be discovered:

“HKU has so many resources for students! I plan to take advantage of them, including academic support and training facilities to enhance my development. I’m also looking forward to discovering new passions through my electives, and excited to work alongside my teammates and train with them to become a better athlete and student.

Anson defines success as the ability to set and achieve meaningful goals, both in his sport and beyond. In fencing, success means improving his performance and competing at his best, while in academics, it involves acquiring knowledge and skills that will benefit his future. “To achieve this during my time at HKU, I will set clear, achievable goals and consistently evaluate my progress,” he says.

In the long run, Anson wants to apply the skills he’s learned to contribute positively to society: “I want to grow and develop the sports community by giving any advice that I can to younger athletes, volunteering at local events, and promoting inclusivity. Additionally, I aim to support initiatives that make sports accessible to everyone, helping to create a welcoming and encouraging environment for all participants.”

Is he confident that he can, as in fencing, hit his targets? There are times, he suggests, when you have to embrace uncertainty, and – as any Jedi Knight will tell you – just do what you know you can do. “One competition that really stands out in my fencing journey was a local cadet championship tournament. It was my first serious competition since starting sabre, as the COVID pandemic had put a long pause on all fencing events in Hong Kong,” he recalls. He went into the tournament excited but also quite nervous, not knowing how he would measure up against more experienced fencers. “In the end, I made it to the final eight, and it gave me a huge confidence boost. It made me even more determined to train harder and keep sharpening my skills.”

He lives by the motto “strive for progress, not perfection” – emphasising the importance of focusing on continuous improvement rather than trying to achieve perfection, which he rather philosophically points out is unattainable. “It encourages me to celebrate my small wins, helps me learn from mistakes, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.”