Sports Hero

Page 5

Stephanie Chu Ying-yau Orienteering

Member of the Hong Kong team, Orienteering Association of Hong Kong China

Orienteering is much like a silent battle. With maps and compasses in hand, one has to navigate terrain of all kinds, testing both body and mind at every step. Though a niche sport in Hong Kong, it captivates a group of athletes who relentlessly seek their bearings, and Stephanie Ying-yau is one of them.

From a Family Pastime to a Professional Pursuit

A sports enthusiast since childhood, Stephanie was initially passionate about windsurfing. Her path took a turn towards orienteering in 2008 when her father took the family to an orienteering event organised by Médecins Sans Frontières. “I joined with my dad out of sheer curiosity,” she recalled. “I never imagined that it would one day become a lifelong pursuit.”

Orienteering comes in varieties. Besides the more common cross-countryside events, there are also city and park orientation events—the latter being Stephanie’s first taste of competition. As she accumulated more competition experience, she was gradually drawn to middle and long distance orienteering, which demands not only peak physical fitness, but also sharp map-reading skills and instant decision-making skills. “Even if you are in good shape, a wrong turn or a misread map could cost you the race,” she explained. It is such an interplay of physical and intellectual strength that fuelled her passion and, through hard work, earned her a spot on the Hong Kong team.

From Hong Kong to the World

Stephanie’s most memorable competition was the National Orienteering Championships in 2012. Competing on a terrain completely different from that of Hong Kong, she realised for the first time that “orienteering is as much about adaptability and flexibility as it is about physical challenge”. This experience honed her ability to quickly adapt to unfamiliar terrains and enhanced her strategic planning skills.

Stephanie has since represented Hong Kong in Asian and international competitions, where she witnessed first-hand the prowess of top-tier players. “Opponents in international competitions are very tough, particularly European athletes who are professionally trained and highly experienced. And each race brings different terrain and conditions, so staying flexible and adaptable is key.” To close the gap, she constantly works on her physical fitness, engage in weekly cross-country running training to familiarise herself with different terrains and enhance her adaptability to face challenges in future competitions.

From Orienteering Course to Life’s Course

To Stephanie, orienteering is more than a sport— it is a way of life. “It has taught me to keep a cool head and think on my feet.” Orienteering has shaped her into a persistent and calm individual, and deeply influenced her outlook on life. “Setbacks are inevitable in training and competitions, but if we learn to shift our perspective and rise to challenges, every challenge becomes a chance to grow.” She hoped that more people would participate in orienteering, discover the joy and benefits it brings. “Orienteering is not just about competition; it trains your brain and boosts focus, which is beneficial to both school and work,” she added, calling for greater support from all sectors to promote the development of orienteering in Hong Kong.

In Stephanie’s eyes, the complexity and unpredictability of orienteering mirror life itself—both are full of unknowns and uncertainties. Yet by remaining flexible and level-headed, we can eventually reach the finish line. This is the motto she lives by, and one she hopes will inspire more young athletes to pursue their dreams, and show the world what Hong Kong athletes are made of.