A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Yvette Kong Man-yi, a former Hong Kong swimmer turned academic and entrepreneur, has become a prominent mental health advocate. Her journey through intense challenges in the pool has given her unique insights into the balance between enjoyment and performance.
Kong reflects on her past with gratitude, acknowledging that the struggles she faced during her career were pivotal in shaping her current path. She now encourages athletes to embrace their experiences and find harmony between enjoying the moment and striving for excellence.
Her personal journey was marked by significant mental health challenges. After battling depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, Kong made an inspiring comeback, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This achievement was not just a personal victory but also a testament to her resilience and determination.
Kong’s story is one of transformation. She has since become a founding board member of Mind Hong Kong, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and support. Her efforts have been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health issues, especially within the realm of elite sports.
Overcoming Adversity
Kong’s early career was filled with promise. At 32, she had already won four medals at the 2009 Asian Championships and aspired to be an Olympic finalist. However, the pressure of high expectations soon took its toll. Her performances in the 2010 Asian Games and Youth Olympics were disappointing, leading to a period of self-doubt and struggle.
After missing the 2012 Olympics by a narrow margin, Kong took a break from swimming for three months. During this time, she reflected on her experiences and realized that adversity could be a catalyst for growth if approached with the right mindset.
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Kong credits her teammates and coaches at the University of California, Berkeley, for encouraging her to seek help. This support was crucial in her recovery. She later pursued a degree in cognitive science and a master’s in performance psychology, which deepened her understanding of mental well-being.
Her coach, Chris Jones, played a vital role in her resurgence. His nurturing approach contrasted sharply with previous experiences, and it inspired her teaching methods today. With a combination of dietary changes, new training techniques, and improved mental health, Kong managed to improve her performance significantly.
Embracing New Beginnings
Kong’s success in the 100m breaststroke, where she dropped six seconds and met the Rio 2016 qualifying mark, was a turning point. She realized that prioritizing mental well-being was essential for sustainable success.
“Success without well-being and purpose is quite hollow,” she said. “Coming back, I realized it was OK to not be OK.”
Kong’s experience taught her that vulnerability is a strength. It takes courage to confront one’s inner struggles, and this insight has guided her in both personal and professional pursuits.
Despite not advancing beyond the heats in Brazil, Kong cherished the experience. She hopes that the city’s athletes will approach the National Games with the same spirit of enjoyment and perseverance.
Expanding Horizons
After retiring from competitive swimming, Kong embarked on a new chapter. She transitioned into academia and entrepreneurship, earning postgraduate qualifications in business administration and management studies from Tsinghua University and MIT. Her work in transversal design at MIT and her roles at McKinsey & Co and Estee Lauder have further enriched her perspective.
Kong’s latest venture, Arelyx, is a global education initiative aimed at equipping the next generation with resilience and future skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. She emphasizes the importance of preventative mental health care, ensuring that children develop a healthy mind from an early age.
Breaking Stigmas
Kong acknowledges the cultural stigma surrounding mental health in Asia, particularly in elite sports. She recalls how speaking up about her struggles was often misinterpreted as a lack of willpower. However, she remains optimistic about the progress made in recent years.
Since 2017, Mind Hong Kong has reached millions through various campaigns to destigmatize mental health. The organization has trained over 27,000 people, highlighting the growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues.
Kong notes that while the stigma persists, there has been significant improvement. High-profile athletes like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles have paved the way for more open conversations about mental health in sports.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Kong continues to inspire others through her work and advocacy. She still exercises daily and recently participated in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge race. Though she no longer competes, she finds joy in movement and the connection between body and mind.
Her journey has led her to establish Arelyx, which she describes as her next “Olympics.” The mission is to unlock human potential across generations, helping individuals move and express themselves fully in body and mind.
Kong’s story serves as a reminder that challenges can lead to profound growth and purpose. Her legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
