Christel Fung: The athlete-scholar
PROFILE by Sherman Pun
Tanned complexion, broad shoulders, toned figure – Christel Fung looks pretty much like your average swimmer. But your average swimmer, she is not.
The athletic undergraduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) was one of five students that were recently awarded the inaugural sports scholarship for their outstanding sporting achievements and academic excellence.
Growing up in a family with three older siblings that graduated from NUS and an entire household of competitive sporting personalities, it seemed only natural for the youngest addition to sing to the tune of those around her.
Now a 19-year-old national athlete and scholar, Christel Fung has stayed true to family tradition and excelled both in her sports and studies.
When most of her peers were still captivated by colour pencils and crayons, the young talent picked up swimming at the tender age of five. She later took part in her first competition when she was in primary one, making it to the finals of the national swimming meet for primary school students.
Her first competitive international experience came in 2003, when she was just 11 years of age. She was then part of a youth team that represented Singapore at a swimming meet held in Vietnam. She has since pushed her limits and gone on to represent her country in numerous swimming championships.
“It’s a great experience and I get to meet some of the top swimmers in the world,” said the athlete. “To me it’s more of a challenge to beat my own personal timing than winning others.”
The swimmer, who holds the record for the A Division Girls 800m freestyle, displays much discipline when it comes to her rigorous training regime. At its peak, the frequency of trainings can be as often as 10 times a week, with each session lasting for two to three hours. Her dedication compels her to wake up at 5 a.m. daily for her swim before heading to school for lessons.
Despite its rigor and intensity, she finds pleasure in training and it remains something she looks forward to.
While most would find themselves suffocating under such copious commitments, the humble over-achiever enjoys pushing her boundaries and feels there is still more that she can achieve.
In addition to being a national athlete and a full-time Business student, the former Raffles Junior College girl is also currently part of the competitive Swimming, Aquathlon and Lifesaving varsity sports teams in NUS.
Her venture into other sports speaks volumes about her passion and drive in making a name for herself not just as a swimmer, but as a sportswoman.
While some speak of a dichotomy between sports and studies, Christel is testament that an inverse relationship does not necessarily exist between the two. With the right attitude and discipline, one can go a long way in both.
Tanned complexion, broad shoulders, toned figure – Christel Fung looks pretty much like your average swimmer. But your average swimmer, she is not.
The athletic undergraduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) was one of five students that were recently awarded the inaugural sports scholarship for their outstanding sporting achievements and academic excellence.
Growing up in a family with three older siblings that graduated from NUS and an entire household of competitive sporting personalities, it seemed only natural for the youngest addition to sing to the tune of those around her.
Now a 19-year-old national athlete and scholar, Christel Fung has stayed true to family tradition and excelled both in her sports and studies.
When most of her peers were still captivated by colour pencils and crayons, the young talent picked up swimming at the tender age of five. She later took part in her first competition when she was in primary one, making it to the finals of the national swimming meet for primary school students.
Her first competitive international experience came in 2003, when she was just 11 years of age. She was then part of a youth team that represented Singapore at a swimming meet held in Vietnam. She has since pushed her limits and gone on to represent her country in numerous swimming championships.
“It’s a great experience and I get to meet some of the top swimmers in the world,” said the athlete. “To me it’s more of a challenge to beat my own personal timing than winning others.”
The swimmer, who holds the record for the A Division Girls 800m freestyle, displays much discipline when it comes to her rigorous training regime. At its peak, the frequency of trainings can be as often as 10 times a week, with each session lasting for two to three hours. Her dedication compels her to wake up at 5 a.m. daily for her swim before heading to school for lessons.
Despite its rigor and intensity, she finds pleasure in training and it remains something she looks forward to.
While most would find themselves suffocating under such copious commitments, the humble over-achiever enjoys pushing her boundaries and feels there is still more that she can achieve.
In addition to being a national athlete and a full-time Business student, the former Raffles Junior College girl is also currently part of the competitive Swimming, Aquathlon and Lifesaving varsity sports teams in NUS.
Her venture into other sports speaks volumes about her passion and drive in making a name for herself not just as a swimmer, but as a sportswoman.
While some speak of a dichotomy between sports and studies, Christel is testament that an inverse relationship does not necessarily exist between the two. With the right attitude and discipline, one can go a long way in both.