Athlete Yuen Wing-ki says, "Table tennis is like a life textbook for me. It has shown me my true self, empowered me to do things I never dared to pursue before, and made me believe I can go even further."
Diagnosed with “osteogenesis imperfecta”, commonly known as brittle bone disease, this young lady leads an extraordinary dual-track life. She represents Hong Kong, China in para table tennis (class TT5) and is a third-year student majoring in animation and digital arts at Lingnan University. From a life of cautious existence under her family’s protection to bravely stepping onto the path of a professional athlete, her transformation is no accident. With support from two initiatives of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Yuen Wing-ki has progressed through different stages of life.
Wing-ki was frequently hospitalised and underwent orthopaedic surgeries in her childhood. Her fragile bones left her family constantly worried. "My mother suggested that I stay indoors reading and work as an office clerk in the future," she recalls. But the more she was protected, the stronger the inner flame of "wanting to try" burnt.
Table tennis became her first “unconventional” choice. Her mother strongly opposed her taking up the sport at first, but Wing-ki did not give up. She kept returning to the training ground, proving her determination through action. Gradually, her mother saw her daughter’s focus and joy at the table tennis table, realising that while her bones were fragile, her gaze was firmer than anyone else’s. Her worries turned to silent consent, and then to full support.
"Persisting with table tennis over the years has helped me truly understand my body," Wing-ki says. Once carefully guarded by her family, she began to learn her limits and boundaries. Table tennis did not make her more fragile; instead, it helped her find a way to communicate with her body.
In 2023, Wing-ki received The Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship, becoming a "Jockey Club Scholar”. This recognition made her believe that even with physical limitations, university education was not an unreachable dream. That same year, she was admitted to Lingnan University’s animation and digital arts programme, embarking on her own dual-track life between studies and table tennis training.
University life and her athletic career flowed like two parallel rivers. Wing-ki attended classes in the morning and dedicated her afternoons to training, with high-intensity practice six days a week, five to six hours a day.
With support from the Club and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), Wing-ki has been able to focus on her training and pursue opportunities on the international stage. Since joining the HKSI, access to well-equipped training facilities, professional equipment, and structured support in strength and conditioning, psychological, and physiotherapeutic has helped her prepare for competitions with greater focus.
(Bottom) Wing-ki strives to live a fulfilling and vibrant life, balancing her studies and table tennis training.
Over the past two years, as she transitioned to a professional athlete, her training intensified, yet her body frequently sent warning signals. Shoulder joint inflammation recurred, bringing waves of pain—sometimes requiring days of rest, other times longer periods of bed rest.
"I always feel upset when injuries interrupt my precious training time." After moments of frustration, Wing-ki learnt to come to terms with her physical condition. The timid girl who dared not attempt trivial daily tasks now lives independently in student dormitories, manages daily chores alone and packs luggage by herself for away competitions. These ordinary daily routines are solid testimonies of strength forged by her fragile bones.
She admits balancing animation coursework and athletic training is challenging. With limited time each day, she has to make reasonable trade-offs. But she has not given up on her studies. Instead, she thinks further ahead, "By continuing to learn the fundamentals now, I can embark on another chapter of life through animation after my athletic career ends."
Speaking of her animation dream, Wing-ki shared a clearer vision. During an overseas competition in Japan, a local athlete gifted custom badges printed with her portrait to every opponent on the final day. This thoughtful gesture inspired her. "I have started creating original animation characters recently. I hope I can hand out self-designed badges to others someday, and even create animation works that promote disability inclusion."
Running on these two parallel paths, Wing-ki does not push through alone—her family has always been by her side offering support. Behind every victory are countless injuries, tears, and perseverance. She has cried, regained composure, and found confidence again. Her older sister once said, "You are stronger on the court than we ever imagined." Her family’s presence at competitions and their quiet praise are priceless love and motivation.
When she decided to transition from amateur to professional athlete, the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme felt like a shot in the arm for her. The scheme provides financial support and training resources, allowing her to focus more on improving her skills. In 2025, she claimed the bronze medal in the table tennis women’s doubles (Class TT5) event at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and received a cash award under the scheme.
"This award is more than monetary gain; it affirms the path I have chosen," Wing-ki remarks. The scholarship opened the door to university education for her, while the reward scheme validates her athletic competence. Like loyal companions, these two initiatives have broadened her prospects at different life milestones.
Today, Wing-ki’s dreams are clear and firm as she continues to advance on both paths. No matter how tough the training gets, she says she has never thought of giving up. "The moment I pick up the racket, the world shrinks to just the table tennis table in front of me—simple, pure, and joyful."
On the table tennis court, Wing-ki’s small frame carves out a vast world of her own. Looking to the future, she eagerly anticipates continuing to tell stories through animation with the original characters she creates.
(Bottom) In 2025, Wing-ki claimed the bronze medal in the table tennis women’s doubles (TT5) at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th Special Olympics.
Did you know?
Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for local elite athletes. It offers cash awards to Hong Kong, China athletes who excel in top-tier major games, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, FISU World University Games, National Games, National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and their corresponding winter games.
Established in 1998, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships are dedicated to nurturing compassionate and socially-minded leaders for the betterment of Hong Kong. To date, the Scholarships have supported over 1,200 outstanding young people in pursuing their academic and professional aspirations.
Ng Suet-ha, a visually impaired participant, says, “Through accessible design and inclusive creativity, everyone can shine on the stage of art.”