Agatha Wong of the PH Wushu national team. (photo by Brian Yalung)
by Brian Yalung
Agatha Wong is one of the iconic names when it comes to Wushu. That includes capturing the gold medal at the 1st Asian Traditional Wushu (Kung Fu) Championships last month in Nanjing, China. She has also had memorable stints in the last SEA Games and the Asian Games.
With the 2019 SEA Games set to be held in the Philippines, Wong admits that there is mounting pressure for her and her teammates. Nevertheless, she approaches it in a different way to prove to herself and everyone that she can be at the same level as her competitors.
” I was actually hoping na yung SEA Games hindi gagawin dito sa Pilipinas kasi I already know na yung pressure, it’s going to be immense. It’s really going to really take a toll on me,” Wong said in an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin Sports Online.
” For the SEA Games, it’s my third time. And I got something last SEA Games so parang I have to keep up that expectation. It’s not that healthy kasi to pressure yourself. It would also take a toll on your mentality. So for me, I just let the pressure come in pero alam ko na I’m stronger than it. So I have to prove to myself and to everyone na I’m on the same level as my competitors,” she added.
Wong is aware that age and injuries play an important role for any athlete taking up Wushu. As far as she is concerned, she would rather not think about it yet for now and just enjoy the ride.
“Sa wushu kasi umaabot ng hanggang 30 lang yung age na pwede kang mag-wushu. After that, you’re prone to a lot of injuries. I’m prone to a lot of injuries tapos minsan yung body ko it goes through hormonal imbalances kaya siguro I get all these injuries,” Wong explained.
“Ako kasi, I try to avoid thinking na hanggang kalian na lang ako sa sport. Kasi, it’s really a journey for me and I really just try to enjoy the ride. I feel like I’ll stay here until 26, 27. Yung last Asian games yung nag gold medal, she retired after bagging the gold. I believe she was 27 or 28. And now she’s a celebrity in Indonesia kasi they really love wushu,” ended Wong.
Tags: 2019 SEA Games , Agatha Wong , Asian Games , Brian Yalung , Manila Bulletin Sports Online , Philippines , Wushu
