EUSA Insider:
Lilian Yang
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
University: University of Nottingham (GBR)
Sport: Badminton Published 10 May 2019
How and why did you get involved in Badminton?
I started training badminton at the age of nine. Before that I used to play with my family every Sunday and I fell in love with the sports ever since.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I study Mathematics and Economics at university. The university offers a very comprehensive on and off-court training programme. Court training starts at 7am during weekdays and I have the weekend off from training to focus on my studies. It was very helpful that most of the lectures were recorded which is very much needed whenever I am away for competitions. One of the important things is to never be shy to ask for help, whether in sports or in studies. I am very lucky to have received help from people around me in achieving goals I set for myself.
Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Championships 2017. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
The European Universities Championships 2017 was my first EUSA experience. I loved the experience as I got to know people from other countries who enjoy the sport as much as I do. I loved that the organiser made the effort to arrange tours for athletes to visit places around Slovenia as I got to experience and understand the country better.
Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
I have made many friends through sports, and got to know people from other courses and other universities. I am also part of the badminton club committee where I get to develop leadership and communication skills which help me wherever I go.
In 2019 the European Universities Badminton Championships will take place in Lodz, Poland. Do you hope to be there, and if so, how have your preparations been, and what do you hope to achieve?
I am looking forward to the championship. I hope to improve the colour of my medals this year. The university has been providing on and off-court support to prepare athletes for this championship.
“I have made many friends through sports, and got to know people from other courses and other universities.”
What is your favourite university sport moment?
I enjoyed every part of it, from training to competition and even the social events held by the club. One of the most memorable is when the university women’s team won the Championship Cup because to me, a team accomplishment is more satisfying than the individual ones.
What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
Work hard and find fun in whatever you do, and enjoy every moment of it!
EUSA would like to congratulate Lilian for her success last year and we hope to see her again very soon, at the European Universities Championships 2019!