Sarah Lee considers winning gold at the 2010 Asian Games and becoming a two-time world champion in 2019 as something “quite miraculous”. She views both her past setbacks and her triumphs as a natural part of the process. “I’ve trained for so many years that there’s no phase I consider particularly difficult – you must perform to a high standard regardless.” she reflects.
Dedicated to excellence in her sport, Sarah remained unwavering in pursuing her cycling ambitions. It is this steadfast spirit, she believes, that has brought her to where she is today. Sarah is fondly referred to by Hong Kongers as the “Cycling Goddess of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate”, a name that reminds her of where her journey began. While others may feel her road to success was arduous and overly taxing, Sarah doesn’t see things the same way. “My hardships were enjoyable because I was very passionate about it. Life wouldn’t be special or worth fighting for if everything came easily,” she muses. For Sarah, her victories are sweetened through the adversities she overcame, through her perseverance and her love for the sport.
No matter the circumstances, one must continue to persevere and strive to do their very best.
Sarah Lee
Stepping away from competing, she wants to be known simply as Sarah Lee. “I don’t want to limit myself to one interest – I want to try different things and do my best at them,” she shares.
As she leaves the sport, she hopes the persevering spirit of her former moniker lives on in people’s minds. Looking to the future, her sights are set on exploring new avenues versus satisfying others’ expectations. “It has to be something I enjoy and am willing to invest in wholeheartedly,” she says, ready to embrace this new chapter in life with arms wide open. Recently completing a creative writing course, Sarah has found a love for literature – poetry, stories, novels. Time once spent training is now spent experiencing the arts.
On Hong Kong’s sporting development, she stresses the importance of nurturing talent to effect positive change. “A solid structure is key to elevating our athletes onto world podiums and even the Olympics,” Sarah believes.
Having dominated cycling for 20 years, she now seeks broader interests to continually challenge herself. “Excelling requires expanding one’s horizons beyond a single field.” Cycling remains a passion for Sarah although now experienced as a hobby as opposed to a profession. More time is given to community and youth to share hard-earned wisdom and shape sports perceptions. For Sarah, grassroots development is just as important as elite athlete training.
In addition to her cycling nickname, Sarah has also been referred to as the daughter of Hong Kong, something she considers a great honour. “Hong Kong has experienced much but people still view sports positively. I hope to fulfill my duties as a daughter of this city,” she says earnestly. Her affection for Hong Kong is straightforward – from being a local to cherishing its food, culture, language and music that is uniquely its own.
When asked about the Hong Kong spirit, Sarah likens it to perseverance through adversity, much like her cycling journey – “Not always smooth sailing, but when I crash I just get back up and back on the bike.” Even if you slow down, you can still cross the finish line.
No matter what situation she’s in, Sarah maintains a calm, thoughtful perspective throughout it all. “It’s normal to feel frustrated or discouraged at times, but maintaining an even disposition helps you think more long-term without losing heart so easily.” Through her own example, Sarah proves that with determination, hurdles are but passing obstacles – winning tenacity stems from within.
Photography: Max Chan
Styling: Foxla Chiu
Makeup Artist: Vanessa Wong
Hair Stylist: Hillnex Lee
Fashion Assistant: Naoki Li
Location courtesy of Modern Classic Bicycle Company
Editor
Fung Hiu Kwan
