Personal fitness is essential for sportsmen and women to remain competitive. As a core member of Hong Kong's karate team, Lee Chun-ho was therefore shocked when he learned that he had contracted COVID-19.

The final year Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) student at The Education University of Hong Kong was the first local sportsman to test positive for coronavirus after returning from a training stint in Paris in mid-March. He felt frustrated while under treatment at the Tai Po Nethersole Hospital, “At one point, I found it hard to breathe,” said Lee. “I had no idea about my recovery and future sports career.”

He continued, “What I could do in the hospital was focus myself on fighting the virus and doing simple exercises, hoping that it would enhance my immunity and bring about a speedy recovery.”

During the seven-week treatment and recovery process, the practice of mindfulness he has learned from sports training has helped him manage his emotions, especially when he tested positive again and needed to be hospitalised for a longer period. “Feeling happy or unhappy is a response to the surrounding circumstances in our lives,” said Lee. “We cannot control the outcome or process, but we can choose how to perceive difficulties and the way we tackle them. I feel lucky that I’ve recovered and can continue with my training.”

Determined to follow his dreams, Lee is looking to run a karate centre in the future, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle and good dietary habits to different generations, especially children and young adults. He said, “Most importantly, I want to guide them to develop a positive attitude in the face of changes and difficulties throughout their lives. There’s nothing you can’t get through if you remain upbeat and persistent.”

He would also like to share his experience with juniors on how to train and study at the same time. “An athlete’s life span is short. It’s crucial for us to think about our paths after retirement,” said Lee. “Thanks to the University and the Department of Health and Physical Education, I am thankful for the opportunity to continue with my career in sport, while acquiring academic knowledge and practical skills beneficial for my future development.”