UM FHS Students Soar Both Academically and in Sports

The rhythm of breathing while running and the sweat dripping from a swinging racket – for university students, sports are not just a pastime but also a source of strength alongside their studies. Sports not only enhance physical fitness but also build mental resilience. When sports and academics intertwine, students can maintain vitality amidst demanding courses and continue growing through challenges.

Zirui YU, a second-year student from the Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology under the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), is the vice-captain of University of Macau (UM) tennis team. He has represented UM in the ‘All China University Tennis Championship’ and competed as a seeded player in local tournaments such as the ‘Macau Tennis Open,’ where he won the championship. In addition to his outstanding performance in sports, he excels academically. He entered UM under the UM Outstanding Student-Athlete Admission Scheme, entitling him to a scholarship. During his first year, his excellent grades earned him a place on the Dean’s Honour List for the 2024/2025 academic year, a recognition that symbolises his ability to excel in rigorous academic training.

Zirui shared that UM’s flexible and comprehensive learning system allows student-athletes to better balance their training and studies, enabling them to focus on competitions without worrying about academic disruptions. Behind his success lies the professional guidance of his coach and mutual support from his teammates, which have been vital in helping him push through on the court. ‘The University is very understanding of student-athletes’ needs. If competitions clash with exams, professors will assist in rescheduling or arranging make-up exams, so I can concentrate fully on my matches.’

Regarding his achievements, Zirui expressed satisfaction but emphasised that he never allows himself to become complacent. Competitions have helped him identify technical shortcomings and sharpened his resilience through the highs and lows. ‘Every setback feels like a reminder that I can still do better.’ This determination and composure also act as a source of strength in his academics. When faced with failed experiments, he tackles them with the same patience and focus, rising up again. It is this mindset that has enabled him to grow continuously in both sports and academics.

Another second-year student from the Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Hanning ZHANG, is an athlete on UM’s fencing team. She won the women’s foil individual championship (Group 1), the women’s foil team first runner-up (Group 1), and the third place in Group 3A during the ‘28^th All China University Fencing Championship,’ achieving remarkable results. However, behind these accolades lie long-term dedication and effort. Upon entering her first year at university, her form initially declined due to a lack of systematic training during the final year of high school and the summer break. She worked hard with the university team, and during her free time, she took the initiative to run and swim to improve her fitness. Through discipline and perseverance, she gradually regained her peak form and eventually shone on the national stage. Hanning’s achievements have also earned her full scholarship under the UM Outstanding Student-Athletes Admission Scheme.

In her studies, she demonstrates exceptional time management skills: focusing on academics during the day and dedicating 9 pm to 11 pm to training. This schedule allows her to balance her classes and fencing, ensuring neither her studies nor her training is neglected. She joked that her well-structured routine enables her academics and sports to complement one another, achieving mutual success. She firmly believes that in competitions, the most important thing is not the result but the ability to adjust one’s mindset under pressure. This approach also extends to her studies and research, enabling her to recover quickly from setbacks and continuously improve.

Their stories perfectly illustrate that youth is not just about knowledge in textbooks or glory on the field but the strength born from the fusion of both. When academics and sports advance side by side, dreams are given stronger wings, enabling them to soar higher and further in both the halls of learning and the arenas of competition, towards a brighter future.