The 2025 National Games is in full swing. Fu Rong, a junior majoring in Journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), is not just an aspiring journalist but also a former athlete who once claimed the championship title in the National Middle School Heptathlon. However, her promising athletic career was cut short by an injury. Yet, her time at HKBU reignited her passion for sports, leading her to make a remarkable comeback, this time in triathlon.
During her studies at HKBU, she accidentally participated in activities related to the Paris Olympics, rekindling her passion for sports. Subsequently, she actively devoted herself to triathlon and has won championships in multiple provincial and even Asian triathlon events over the past year. At the 15th National Games, Fu, as an intern journalist at Guangdong Radio and Television, covers the HK Division competitions and the Guangzhou athletics events. With her extensive sports experience and academic training in journalism, she seamlessly balances her dual roles as a trainee journalist and a student-athlete, embodying the dynamic interplay of learning, training, and reporting that defines the new generation of college students.
Fu's athletic journey began early. She started professional track and field training at 8, and later turned to heptathlon, eventually winning championships at both the Guangdong Provincial and National Middle School Track and Field Championships. When asked about the key to excelling in heptathlon, Fu emphasizes the importance of overall balance and mindset management. "In heptathlon, you need at least three strong events and must focus on your overall performance. Even if you falter in one event, you can make up for it in others," she explained.
Knowing sports and how to interview — the basics of a sports journalist
Fu's career as an athlete was far from smooth. She suffered an injury during a hurdles race in her third year of high school, tearing the ligaments in her ankle, which eventually forced her to retire. Reflecting on that period, Fu shared that it wasn't just the physical injury that ended her career, but also the psychological pressure from mounting expectations. "The higher an athlete's level, the greater the external pressure. Your performance is no longer solely yours—it's tied to your coach, your team, and the honor of your region. Back then, I couldn't handle that burden," she admitted.
After retiring, Fu believed she had left the world of competitive sports behind. However, her time at HKBU opened a new chapter. Last year, she attended a sharing session with retired Olympic champions at the university as part of the Paris Olympics-themed activities. The stories of athletes who persisted through long-term rehabilitation with injuries made Fu rethink the value of competitive sports: Breaking the limits of human potential with the body. Fu said: "I used to think competitive sports were 'inhumane'. Later, I realized that challenging limits is not only the charm of sports competitions, but also provides goals for grassroots athletes and enthusiasts to pursue." This epiphany led Fu to make a comeback—not in heptathlon, but in triathlon—to prove to herself, "If others can do it, so can I."
Fu credits her decision to study journalism in HK to her family, particularly her mother, who shared a passion for sports news. By combining her athletic background with her studies in journalism, Fu has developed a unique perspective. "Knowing sports and how to ask the right questions are the basic skills of a sports journalist," she explained. Using swimmer Siobhan Haughey as an example, Fu observed that stories about athletes adjusting their schedules for the National Games, breaking records, or facing setbacks involve layers of complexity, including training cycles, event characteristics, and decision-making trade-offs. "Whether it's winning gold with subpar results, achieving great results without a medal, or falling short in both, there are always deeper angles worth exploring," she said. For Fu, sports journalism goes beyond surface-level storytelling and superficial Q&As.
Covering of Guangdong and HK at the National Games
From Fu's perspective, sports enthusiasts are the core audience for sports journalism. They are drawn to stories about athletes' growth, stress management, and resilience in the face of challenges. "As an athlete, I can understand their mindset, and I hope to use my expertise in journalism to tell their stories," she said. During this year's National Games, Fu has been reporting from the HK Division and traveling to multiple venues to cover key events such as athletics, road cycling, and marathons. Balancing her dual roles as a journalist and an athlete, Fu aims to deliver professional and heartfelt narratives that resonate with her audience.
Currently, Fu holds qualifications as a track and field referee and coach, and she has officiated at China's University Students' Sports Games. These experiences have given her a deeper understanding of venue operations and technical rules, enhancing her professional judgment in the field.
Looking ahead, Fu plans to pursue a PhD in sports psychology, focusing on the intersection of media and interpersonal communication. She noted that the amateur "golden age" for triathletes is between 30 and 35, which coincides with her academic timeline. Fu is determined to excel both academically and competitively, with plans to participate in the next World Triathlon Championships. "As long as I can, I'll keep competing," she said, adding with a smile, "Running a marathon at 60 would be my life's ideal."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Yang Yingying; English Intern Editor: Phoebe; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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