No Way - Anson Wong
Anson Wong, a National Hong Kong Junior Team Wakeboard Rider, is an 11th grader at the Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong.
Growing up, I was always active. It was like there was a spring on my butt– I just had to keep myself moving. However, the reality was, I was never exceptionally good at any particular sport. I was always so eager to try new things, but would give up because it was easier to switch to a new sport than continue with an old one. When I came across wakesurfing, my perspective changed. My work ethic and drive became more prominent. I was fortunate to have parents and family that were fully on board with this prestigious sport and supported my passion for being out in the ocean. The ocean was where I felt like I truly belonged. The sound of waves forming behind the boat, the sun shining on my skin, and the vision of how far I will go intensified like ludacris in my head. On the water, there is no one but myself.
I have been training relentlessly for almost 2 years now, both on land and on water. With tremendous love and encouragement from my parents, teammates, coaches, wakesurf fanatics, and my girlfriend, I was able to become one of the core members on the Hong Kong Wakesurf National Junior Team. Their support allowed me to reach unimaginable heights, from training overseas to competing against other international riders. Through this sport, I also experienced an immense amount of character development and learned many values that could be implemented not only just in sports, but also in real life. I used to fall into deep spirals, feeling like the world was falling apart when I had a bad performance or lost due to unfair judgement. I learned how to overcome failure and use the pain to fuel my drive to get better. I stayed focused and continued to practise, eat a good diet, and manage my time between sports and school. Even so, sometimes the results did not come instantly. Through encouragement and setting small goals for myself, eventually it added up and resulted in something far greater than I had ever imagined.
“No way” is a phrase that's always stuck with me. The discouragement that I received and failures I experienced during my wakesurfing career were overwhelming at times. It especially hurt when those I held very close to my heart gave harsh and spiteful comments, even when I had given it my all. Their words made me hesitate and think, but it never stopped me from doing what I love doing most. I’m building towards something I believe in, for something I love. I’m moulding and shaping the character that I want to be. When I’m in my 50s, I don’t want to lie awake at night regretting that I had listened to the people who had pointed a finger in my face telling me that I can’t do this or I can’t do that.
That said, even with all of the podiums, championships, and awards that I have obtained throughout the process, it’s the stressful days and nights that have made me the athlete, son, or person I am today. I want to thank every single person who has rooted and supported me throughout the entirety of my career. Wakesurfing and other water sports are becoming increasingly popular and I hope that through my voice and story I am able to inspire whoever is reading this to try new things and follow through with what you truly love, regardless of the results. At the end of the day, you are your own hero in your story. Although dogs may bark at you along the way, never stop to chase them because they’ll lead you away from your destination. My name is Anson Wong, and this is my story.
