At the SCMP Family Business Summit on November 17, 2024, Olympic champions Zheng Qinwen and Siobhan Haughey shared their inspiring journeys to success, emphasizing the critical role of mental strength and sacrifice in their athletic careers. Zheng, at just 22 years old, made history as the first Asian woman to win Olympic gold and the first Chinese player to reach the WTA Finals knockout stages since Li Na in 2013. Meanwhile, Haughey, 27, boasts an impressive collection of four Olympic medals, showcasing her prowess in swimming [1c2488da].
Both athletes reflected on their personal challenges and motivations. Zheng spoke candidly about her childhood dream of achieving greatness in tennis, highlighting the loneliness that often accompanies high-level competition. Haughey, on the other hand, revealed her initial aversion to swimming and how she eventually found the motivation to excel in the sport [1c2488da].
The importance of data in sports performance was another key topic, as both athletes acknowledged how analytics can enhance training and competition strategies. They also stressed the necessity of maintaining social connections amidst the pressures of their respective sports [1c2488da].
As they prepare for upcoming competitions, Zheng is particularly focused on overcoming Aryna Sabalenka, her opponent in the Australian Open final, while Haughey continues to build on her recent successes in the Swimming World Cup, where she earned US$60,000 and showcased her talent despite a recent third-place finish in Singapore [1a8f9c16].
The total prize money for the World Cup events reached US$775,000, with top earners like Kate Douglass and Leon Marchand leading the pack [0c4f25f1]. Haughey's journey reflects not only her athletic achievements but also the mental resilience required to thrive in competitive sports [1c2488da].