Camille Cheng, Three-Time Hong Kong Olympian

At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Camille Cheng represented Hong Kong's swimming team with a poise and vigor that captured the world's attention. In 2018, she competed at the Asian Games, securing bronze in the 4 x 200 m freestyle and silver in the 4 x 100 m women's races. Now, in 2024, she is representing Hong Kong again at the Paris Summer Olympics. Her life, a blend of French and Chinese characteristics, offers a compelling portrait of Hong Kong at its best—a global, international superhub exemplifying cultural synthesis and exceptional athleticism.

Beyond the pool, Camille plays significant roles in mentorship and NGOs, and has co-founded Mind the Waves, a space dedicated to conversations about mental well-being. As one of this year's winners of the JESSICA Most Successful Women Award, we had the opportunity to speak with her. In our interview, she highlighted the power of pursuing one's passion and embracing diverse cultural influences.

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photography by: Phoebe Wong

Art direction by: Phoebe Wong & Sol So

Styling by: Sol So

Makeup & Hair by: Karen Yiu, Carmen Lau, & Cat Yeong @makeupbees

"I owe a lot to my coaches, not just for making me a better swimmer but for helping me become a better person."

Unexpected Journey and Opportunities

Camille's experience as an athlete has been eye-opening, surpassing what she initially anticipated. "I never really thought I would be doing many of the things that the sport has given me, like photo shoots, public speaking, and all these opportunities to use my platform to talk about things beyond the pool," she reflects. These experiences have allowed her to leverage her platform, like Mind the Waves, to address broader social issues, "Our goal is to get the conversation started, to make it okay to admit you're struggling, to share your fears or confusion, and help you get started thinking about your own mental wellbeing."

Camille has embraced the chance to connect with her audience on a deeper level to make a difference. "As someone with a background in psychology, with my journey with mental health challenges and witnessing the stigma associated with the topic in Hong Kong, advocating for mental health is very important to me. I have been honored to represent Hong Kong on the world stage in swimming. Still, I hope my contribution extends beyond the swimming pool… by starting these conversations, by making everything we do inclusive, social, and fun, we'll collectively reduce the [mental health] stigma within our community and family."

While she did not imagine herself one day being an Olympian, this unexpected turn of events has enriched her life in countless ways, demonstrating how success in one arena can unexpectedly open doors to many other fulfilling experiences. It showcases the power of pursuing one's passions, as the journey often leads to unexpected detours that bring joy, purpose, and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Embracing Identity and Representation

Camille also discussed how her experience as a mixed-race athlete representing Hong Kong has exemplified personal growth and embracing one's identity. Navigating the complexities of societal expectations and her own evolving sense of self presented challenges, particularly with questions surrounding her mixed heritage. "It's a lot about growing confidence in who I am," Camille shares. "At the beginning, it was challenging, especially with questions like, 'Why are you representing Hong Kong?' particularly since I'm mixed." A powerful issue that often occurs with those of multi-racial backgrounds is choosing which country to compete with, and both sides do not quite accept the choice. "I had a hard time initially because overnight, after one Olympic race, you're suddenly an Olympian," she reflects. "That changes how people perceive you, but I didn't feel like I had changed, which made it difficult to embrace." However, through her experiences, Camille has become a powerful advocate for self-acceptance and inclusivity, recognizing the importance of diverse representation in prominent roles. For many in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, her story resonates deeply with those who grapple with similar identity questions. She shared: "They see me doing it, and they think, 'I can do it too!'" As a role model, she inspires them to embrace their unique backgrounds and contribute to a more inclusive society. Camille's success shows that embracing our complexities and using our voices to challenge societal norms can pave the way for a more accepting and representative world.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Camille's push as an athlete has been enriched by the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and traditions. "What's been special about swimming for me is how much it's allowed me to see the world and meet different kinds of people," she reflects. "This has helped me become more curious, open-minded, and sensitive to different cultures." Through her travels, she has witnessed firsthand the unifying power of sports, fostering respect, understanding, and friendship among competitors from diverse backgrounds. To her, these experiences have instilled a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and sportsmanship, qualities that transcend the competitive arena. Camille's story showcases how global sports events empower athletes to represent their cultures, encourage cross-cultural empathy, and nurture a sense of global unity. Through her experiences, she embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, demonstrating that competition can catalyze unity and connection, bridging cultural divides and fostering a more inclusive world.

Impact and Inspiration

Camille also shared how she finds deep fulfillment in inspiring others, particularly younger athletes who see her as a role model and hope to compete on the world stage someday. "Sharing my experiences and story has been impactful," she shares. "The most touching moments are when younger athletes thank me for sharing, saying things like, 'I didn't know you struggled with this as well.'" These interactions highlight the powerful influence role models can have, shaping aspirations and fostering resilience in others. Camille's willingness to share her struggles and victories makes her a relatable and empowering figure, demonstrating that success often comes hand-in-hand with challenges and setbacks. "I'm motivated to keep going. It's rewarding for me to hear that I can inspire somebody. It might not be an athlete; it could be in anything." Her genuine and open approach underscores the value of perseverance and sharing experiences, motivating others to follow their aspirations and accept their individual paths.

Mentorship and Personal Growth

Throughout her journey, Camille has recognized mentorship's profound impact as a recipient and a provider. "I owe a lot to my coaches," she acknowledges, "not just for making me a better swimmer but for helping me become a better person." Their mentorship has improved her swimming performance and molded her character, fostering values that transcend the pool environment. Camille's experience embodies the transformative power of mentorship, where guidance received becomes the foundation for guiding others. This cycle of mentorship fosters a supportive environment where individuals can flourish professionally and personally. "In some areas that I don't know a lot about, I like to go to somebody and just be like, 'I don't know what I'm doing; please help.' Initially, I was very much the type to not ask for help. You know, asking for help is a sign of weakness..." As Camille transitions from mentee to mentor, she carries forward the lessons learned, creating a ripple effect that empowers others to reach their full potential. "Now, I know it is okay to ask questions, and I encourage others to ask them too," equipping the next generation of athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities, leaving a lasting legacy far beyond their achievements.

"I think about mental sustainability a lot, having been in this sport for over 20 years," she reflects. "To keep going, you have to know how to check in and check out of your work, ensuring you maintain a sustainable pace." To her, this involves prioritizing activities that recharge her mentally and physically, creating a balance between the draining demands of her profession and the fulfilling aspects of her personal life.

"Everyone's asking about my future plans. Well, right now, the goal is Paris this summer. I'm interested in things like sports and performance psychology, but I'm open to seeing what comes next," she says. "Compared to eight years ago, after my first Olympics, I feel much more confident in who I am and my mindset. Whatever comes next, I trust that I can figure it out." Camille's journey exemplifies the power of embracing uncertainty and focusing on personal growth, demonstrating that true success stems from the ability to adapt, evolve, and seize new opportunities—ultimately creating a lasting impact that transcends the realm of sports.

Editor note: This interview was recorded in March 2024, before Camille attended the 2024 Paris Olympics. As of the date of publication, Camille has placed 7th in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 3:42.42. We would like to congratulate Camille for her incredible performance and energy in her representation of Hong Kong on the international stage.