Singapore, Singapore, August 23, 2010 - The Youth Olympic Games is about more than just competition; it is also about learning from former stars how to become a top athlete. Therefore, the FIVB enlisted the services of former Olympian and two-time medalist Feng Kun to be the Volleyball Athlete Role Model of the YOG. Other role models that are in Singapore right now are Olympic champions Jelena Isinbajeva and Wilson Kipketer, amongst others. Volleyball is privileged to have two role models in the village, two times gold medalist Yumilka Ruiz of Cuba is also present.
Kun, 31, was the former captain and setter of the Chinese national team, and won an Olympic gold medal in 2004 in Athens and a bronze medal in 2008 in Beijing. She is now in Singapore, visiting with the athletes and offering them advice and encouragement.
“I am honoured to be the Athlete Role Model,” Kun said. “This is a great opportunity for the players to achieve their potential.”
She has had many opportunities to tour the Youth Olympic Village located in the University area in the suburb of Singapore, spending the afternoon with many of the Volleyball players, as well as other athletes.
“Life in the Youth Olympic Village is very vibrant,” she said. “I tell the athletes to meet people from other countries and make friends with them and its very different from what I experienced when I was an athlete. Here you have much focus at cultural thing and it´s a great opportunity to learn things from other continents.”
Kun encouraged the athletes to play for the passion of the game.
“You must love the game, not just play for the fame,” was her advice to raising Volleyball stars. “Your enthusiasm should carry you forward.”
Kun is not in the Chinese national team now, just playing club Volleyball in the highest league in China. However, she would not rule out the possibility of competing in Olympic Games in London in 2012.
“If the national team wants me, I am available,” she said.
相信最后一句话是广大球迷最愿意看到的。
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