HK basketball player’s success an inspiration

As a basketball fanatic growing up in Hong Kong, I am immensely proud of Nicole Leung Wai-laam, who has taken the Woodward School’s basketball team by storm (“Hong Kong-born basketball players found their feet in the US, and now they’re shooting for the stars”, May 4).

In a high-octane sport where height, size and athleticism give players a definitive competitive edge, it is hard to imagine an athlete of Nicole’s stature (even at about 1.75 metres tall) would be able to hold her own against stronger, faster and bigger opponents, so the fact that she can earn a spot on her school’s team and perhaps return it to glory speaks volumes about her

determination, perseverance and diligence.

If she keeps up her game, she can possibly be drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) one day, potentially becoming one of the first Hong Kong athletes to play in the world’s most high-profile women’s basketball league.

Recently retired WNBA player Candace Parker, sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu and freshman Caitlin Clark are popularising the WNBA, but female athletes are still generally underrepresented in the sports world.

If Nicole could find her way into the league, it would undoubtedly be a victory for the WNBA and Hong Kong. Her participation as an Asian athlete will certainly boost racial diversity in sports.

Nicole’s success in turning her

basketball dream into reality also serves as an inspirational story for girls born and raised in Hong Kong.

All too often, expectations and gender stereotypes stunt their growth or dissuade them from pursuing certain aspirations, such as those related to sports or maths and science.

Nicole’s passion for basketball, coupled with her determination to overcome her limited English proficiency, positioned her to be an up-and-coming player in the US college basketball scene.

Obviously, there is no one-size-fitsall formula for high-flying success. But the lesson to take home here is that girls should be empowered to find their passion, and be given the tools and right environment to flourish.

Jason Tang, Tin Shui Wai