Cover Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
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Swimmer Chan Yui-lam’s journey to the podium has been one of resilience and determination. The Paralympic silver medallist, who also holds the Asian record for her event, tells us about getting started in the sport by chance, adjusting her training regime and her next goal
“Being able to step on the podium in Paris was a dream come true,” says Chan Yui-lam, who won silver in the women’s 100-metre butterfly S14 swimming event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics; and with a time of 1:03.70, she broke her own Asia record of 1:04. The S14 event is for swimmers with an intellectual disability. While she isn’t new to champion status—at the 4th Asian Para Games in October 2023, she became the most decorated Hong Kong athlete, with two golds and three silvers—she says: “The road towards [the Olympic medal] wasn’t easy.”
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Chan missed out on a place in the top three by a mere 0.15 seconds. She overcame these mental challenges by “telling myself I had come fully prepared and that I am here to enjoy the stage”. Thankfully, she says, “My results this time round allowed me to let go of the negative emotional impact that came from losing in Tokyo.”
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Above Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
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Despite the pressures of the Paris race, it proved to be a particularly serene moment for Chan. “I felt very at peace [ just before it started]. When it was time to get into position to start, I was very focused on myself. I felt I was there to do what I needed to do.”
Chan, who turned 21 in October, began her athletic journey at age ten, when her siblings began swimming lessons and she decided to join them. “I then realised I really liked swimming.” She has an intellectual disability, which has been recognised since she was a child; at school, she would sometimes lose focus; she also struggled with writing, speaking and memorising learning materials. In everyday life and during competitions—especially in new environments—she finds it challenging to communicate with strangers; she makes time to speak with friends, family and teachers to learn how the world around her communicates, so she can replicate their approach. Her condition also impacts her professionally. “I know that the limitation I have means I am a bit different to other athletes. When it comes to preparation, things need to be quite straightforward.”
Above Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
Chan Yui-lam wears a Maje outfit
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In training, this can mean her coach Leung Suk-ying physically demonstrating an action or showing her a picture rather than verbally explaining it; it can also take multiple tries before she is able to understand the instructions. She also recognises what adjustments can be made: “I am a bit of a passive person—I’m not sure if it is a symptom of the condition—but I know I should become more assertive.”
Chan says she is particularly grateful for Leung, who has been training her since she began, “and through to today, when I am representing Hong Kong”. She also takes inspiration from seeing other para-athletes compete—Hong Kong para-swimmer Tang Wai- lok’s gold win at the 200-metre freestyle swimming race during the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games in particular gave her motivation.
When it was time to get into position, I was very focused on myself. I felt I was there to do what I needed to do
Above Chan Yui-lam wears a Kenzo dress
Chan Yui-lam wears a Kenzo dress
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Looking back on her journey so far, Chan says every step of the way has had its challenges. “As a student, I was balancing training with schoolwork; today, as an elite athlete, I need to learn what level I am at, my conditions and how to get better results.” Her next goal is breaking the world record for women’s 100-metre butterfly S14.
As for advice for aspiring swimmers, Chan says love for the sport is a must, along with setting goals and persistence. “When you persist, one day you will get results.”
Credits
Photography: Issac Lam
Creative Direction: Zoe Yau
Styling: Cherry Mui
Stylist's Assistant: Alix Lefebvre
Photography Assistant: Jason Li, Riki Chan, Hsiao
Make-Up: Heisan Hung
Hair: Him Ng
Set Design: Ip Siu
Set Design: Naomi Chiu, Red Tao, Kelly (Assistants)
Videography: Nelis Vansia, Vicky Cho
Videography: Jacob Chan (Assistant)
Production: Carlos Hui (Assistant)
Andrea Lo was the Executive Editor of Tatler Hong Kong and Editor of Tatler Macau.
Born in Canada and raised in Hong Kong and England, she started her career in journalism in 2012.
Follow her on Instagram @andreastephenielo.
