Thursday 23 July marked the One-Year-to-Go milestone before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which are now due to be held in 2021.
On this day, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) brought together everyone who embodies the values of the Olympic Games and celebrates solidarity and unity in diversity during these difficult times.
Six-time Oceania women’s singles champion and Rio 2016 Olympian, Australia’s Hsuan-Yu Wendy Chen, joined Badminton Oceania to celebrate the #StrongerTogether campaign, as she reflected on her previous experiences as she continues preparations for next years’ Games.
Talking of her experience at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Wendy said;
“Everything about the Olympics was special. It truly promoted unity in diversity. Not only was I able to meet many athletes from different countries, but also to watch different sports in action – it was awesome.
“Other than competing, the most memorable moments for me included watching the 100 metre sprints. It was very different watching it live than on TV. I also really wanted to watch women’s rugby sevens, but there weren’t any tickets available.”
The IOC pride themselves on equality and celebrate diversity across all areas.
“Diversity is an important factor and it is apparent as you walk around the Games Village and even in the dining hall. You are surrounded by all walks of life with lots of food cuisines to pick from too; like South African, Asian, Greek…”
Currently living in Queensland, Wendy is celebrating a healthy return to the badminton court in an Australian state which has allowed their athletes to return to a normal training routine.
Before qualifying for next year’s Games, Wendy Chen hopes to seize the opportunity to extend her legacy as Continental Champion at the VICTOR Oceania Championships 2021, which was announced to take place at North Harbour, New Zealand in February.