Q. What did you eat initially when you arrived in Singapore?
Bird rice at the airports.
I feel very happy to be back home and spending time with my family.
I’ve taken a week off, then I’ve started training afterwards, because my next competition is in less than two months. I’m trying my best. I first need to get over the virus.
Q. You had just entered the second Olympics. Did you think your album performed better than you did?
Overall, the whole Olympic knowledge was quite different, as my first Games was during the COVID-19 crisis. This time, straight from the first day, it was so crowded. There was so much more help. My home, my kids were there, and every fit I could see them.
Preparing was also quite different. Going into the competition this time, I was healthy, not ( affected ) by injuries, so physically and mentally, I was definitely more prepared.
Q. What was most crucial in your Olympic planning?
There were months of preparation. Leading up ( to the Games ), it was definitely to make sure I did n’t fall sick or get any new injuries. Sometimes I experience these small jitters to make sure I’m in the best condition possible. Only mentally staying grounded, believing in myself, a lot of good self-talk, and excitement.
Q. In Paris, you’ll have the opportunity to fulfill world leaders. What did you take away from them?
For us, getting to know these racquetball people is like happening every other week. But at the Olympics, there are so many athletes from various activities, and they all have their own story to tell. It’s so exciting how we are all different, but there’s a little bit of similarity in terms of what we have experienced.
It’s generally that spirit of the confidence to come back, to believe in themselves once more, and to challenge one’s limitations. And often, at the end of the day, they surpass their limitations. The motivation of these sports inspires me.
Q. At the Olympic Village, did you experience any sense of community?
When I went to the gym it, I felt like, well, there was so much noise going on and people from all sorts of activities, and they were so laser focused. There were so many countries, some that I ca n’t even pronounce. It felt incredibly strange to be a part of our individual wealthy elite.
Q. Do you feel pressured to play basketball at an elite level?
I put myself under some pressure to stay where I’m at and gradually get close to where I want to get. More than the ranks, I focus on how I perform.
I’m trying my best to think of what I may do different and improve upon as I come back from this Olympics, and I hope to continue to rise up the ranks.