Category：Sports

Kinmen Swimming races to kick off in July

Swimmers, take note! The Kinmen Open Water Swim and Xiamen-Kinmen Cross-Strait Swimming Competition will kick off in July. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the highlights.

At the sound of the gunshot, swimmers jump into the sea. The annual Kinmen Open Water Swim is about to enter its 21st year. It will take place at Lieyu Township on July 20. The event will also feature activities and markets.

Li Wen-liang
Kinmen’s deputy county commissioner
Last year, we moved to Lieyu, or little Kinmen, for the first time. The response was very good. So this year, we will make it even better. That is to say, we will incorporate the tourism resource of Lieyu into our event.

Another race that will take place in Kinmen in July is the Xiamen-Kinmen Cross-Strait Swimming Competition. It is a 7-kilometer race from Xiamen to Kinmen.

Li Wen-liang
Kinmen’s deputy county commissioner
The 12th Xiamen-Kinmen Cross-Strait Swimming Competition is probably the only such event that officials from both sides of the Taiwan Strait jointly sponsor. Since it is the 12th edition, it is very competitive. We will also hold three qualifiers soon.

Registration for the races is open online till June 21.

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2024-04-23

Taiwan’s Angel Chan lifts doubles crown in Stuttgart Open

Taiwan tennis ace Angel Chan and her Russian partner Veronika Kudermetova have won the women’s doubles title at the Stuttgart Open in Germany. The Taiwan-Russia pair won the final 2-1 last Sunday.

This is Chan’s second title of the year and the 21st doubles championship of her career. She is also the first Taiwanese player to win at the Stuttgart Open. On social media, Chan wrote that she and her partner struggled hard in the first set. But they were able to motivate each other to believe in themselves, enough to turn the tide and triumph in the end.

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2024-04-22

Canoeist Lai Kuan-chieh, gymnast Ting Hua-tien qualify for Paris Olympics

Two more Taiwanese athletes have qualified for the Paris Olympics. One is gymnast Ting Hua-tien, who’s secured her spot in the balance beam event. The other is canoeist Lai Kuan-chieh, who qualified after winning a silver at the 2024 Asian Canoe Sprint Championships.

Asian Games gold medalist Lai Kuan-chieh advances steadily in Lane 5. Though he was in the middle of the pack at the start, the moment of truth came in the final stage.

In the last 200 meters, Lai unleashed explosive might to make his way to second place, closely trailing the Iranian rower next to him. Also rushing to the front was China in Lane 8, making for a nail-biter finish.

By a margin of less than 0.3 seconds, Lai clinched his ticket to Paris, and won silver in the men’s C-1 1,000 meter canoe sprint final.

Over at the Doha World Cup, Taiwanese gymnast Ting Hua-tien booked her Paris berth on the balance beam, despite failing to reach the final round. A Spanish competitor who outranked her had qualified for the Olympics floor exercise event, leaving her balance beam spot vacant for Ting. Paris will be Ting’s second Olympic Games in a row.

Also at the competition was Tang Chia-hung, who qualified for Paris at a previous stop of the Gymnastics World Cup Series. That didn’t stop him from bagging a third gold medal in the horizontal bar event in Doha. After a short break, Tang plans to return to training, to create a harder routine that’s set to score high in Paris.

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2024-04-22

Uniforms packed with Taiwan elements unveiled for Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Taiwan has unveiled the uniforms that athletes will wear at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony this summer. The team will be all suited up in blue, with threaded flowers on the lapel. The design was drawn up by Justin Chou, who worked with a team of craftspeople to get an outfit packed with the beauty of Taiwan.

Olympic shooter Yang Kun-pi and boxer Wu Shih-yi model the uniforms that the Taiwanese team will wear for the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics. The dashing outfits grabbed the attention of the whole room.

Yang Kun-pi
Taiwanese shooter for Paris Olympics
This is my first time to take part in a fashion show. I am very happy and honored to wear the clothes for Team Taiwan and feel everyone’s affection.

Wu Shih-yi
Taiwanese boxer for Paris Olympics
In preparing for the competitions, I have always had the attitude that I must do my very best, and so I have been working toward that.

The uniforms were designed by renowned Taiwanese fashion designer Justin Chou. He worked together with artist Paul Chiang and Indigenous banana leaf weaver Aing Banday, who was named as one of Taiwan’s Living National Treasures. Also involved in the project was, Lin Pei-ying, an expert in threaded flowers and ambigram calligrapher Lin Kuo-ching.

Lin Kuo-ching
Ambigram calligrapher
I combined English and Chinese, so we have “Chinese Taipei” in one direction and “Jiayou” in the other. When people see our athletes compete, we’ll all cheer for them, saying, “Jiayou, jiayou, jiayou.” I think that combining the cheer with the words “Chinese Taipei” is really creative.

The designers voiced hope that the athletes will make it big. The suits are coastal blue with threaded flowers pinned to the lapels – the national plum blossom and rapeseed flowers symbolizing cheering on the team. The material for the team’s polo shirts is sustainable and contains negative ions, which allegedly help boost comfort.

Justin Chou
Fashion designer
Through our opening ceremony uniforms, we can show everyone that Taiwan has other great things besides bubble tea and xiaolongbao steamed buns. The fabric for the polo sleeves was cut to create random patterns. So when they are wearing them, they will look like a team, but everyone will look different.

With the blessings of Taiwan’s people, the national athletes plan to shine at the Paris Olympics.

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2024-04-22

Speaking at Games, Lai promises Sports Administration to be upgraded to ministry

After a 12-year hiatus, the National Middle School Athletic Games is being conducted once again in the capital Taipei. The games’ opening ceremony was held Saturday night with the attendance of Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an, Premier Chen Chien-jen, and Vice President Lai Ching-te. Lai mentioned during his remarks that he’ll be pushing for an upgrade of the Sports Administration to become the Ministry of Sports and Sports Industry Development.

Singer Will Hsu sang with a joint orchestra made up of members of Jieshou and Dunhua junior high schools’ orchestras at the Taipei Arena, mesmerizing the audience.

The uniform movements of the Taipei First Girls High School marching band, as well as a dance that integrated traditional skills with modern art, were part of four sets of performances that kicked off the 2024 National Middle School Athletic Games.

After a 12-year hiatus, the most important annual sporting event for Taiwan’s middle school students is being held in Taipei once again. From April 20 to 25, teenage athletes from around the nation will gather here to compete against one another in 22 different sports. Classes are suspended for four days starting April 22 in 150 schools, so that sports facilities on campus can be used for the games and students can participate.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
I believe that this year’s National Games in Taipei will be very exciting. And I guarantee that in this year’s games, there will be athletes who will go on to win gold medals at the Olympics and Asian Games in the future.

In addition to Mayor Chiang, education minister Pan Wen-chung, Premier Chen Chien-jen, and Vice President Lai Ching-te were all on hand at the event to cheer on the participants.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
I’d like to use the Olympic motto to motivate everyone, and that is “Faster, higher, stronger, together.”

Lai Ching-te
Vice President
During my presidential campaign, I proposed a sports policy, and that is, we should upgrade the Sports Administration to become the Ministry of Sports and Sports Industry Development. We will continue to promote Guidance Program 2.0 for outstanding athletes.

In addition to promoting the development of the sports industry, both the central and local governments have spared no effort to cultivate Taiwan’s future athletic stars through the annual national games for youths.

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2024-04-21

Taiwan attends Olympics flame lighting ceremony for first time in 60 years

With just 100 days to go before the Paris Olympics, the Olympic flame was lit in a tightly choreographed ceremony on Tuesday. The event took place in the ancient city of Olympia, Greece. For the first time in 60 years, a Taiwan representative was invited to witness the moment. Taiwan was also invited to take part in the relay that will take the sacred flame all the way to France.

Fire keepers light the flame for the Paris Olympics at the ruins of Olympia’s Temple of Hera, the oldest temple in the ancient city.

The first torchbearer is Greek Olympic rower Stefanos Ntouskos. In his right hand, he holds the torch, which symbolizes the continuity between the ancient and modern games. In his left hand, he holds an olive branch, which symbolizes peace. He hands the flame and branch on to the first torchbearer from the host nation, French swimmer Laure Manadou, kicking off the torch relay.

Taiwan’s Lin Hong-dow reaches up to light the furnace, as cheers ring out from residents of the small town of Zacharo. Lin, the head of Taiwan’s Olympic committee, received the sacred flame from International Olympic Academy consultant Dionyssis Gangas. This is the first time in 60 years that a Taiwan representative was invited to watch the Olympic flame lighting ceremony. Lin also played an important role in the torch relay.

The Olympic flame will travel across Greece for 11 days, arriving at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, on April 26. The next day, the flame will depart for France, arriving in Marseille on May 8. It will then travel to 64 territories in France, before reaching the shores of the River Seine in Paris for the Olympics opening ceremony. This will be France’s first time hosting the games in a century.

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2024-04-17

Martial artist turns passion into career as Taekwondo coach

Nicaraguan Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson came to Taiwan to study at his mother’s suggestion, and now works as a full-time martial arts instructor. With international certification, Machado Hodgson has opened his own dojang, or training hall, and works with the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Apart from teaching, he also takes a team to compete internationally every year, winning accolades for himself and his students.

After studying for more than 20 years, Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson from Nicaragua is a fourth dan black belt and Taekwondo instructor with global standing. He now teaches at his own dojang and promotes the sport through the International Taekwon-Do Federation, or ITF. Traditional Taekwondo teaches mental fortitude and technique through forms, sparring and self-defense.

Machado Hodgson, who serves as chair of the ITF’s Chinese Taipei Association, teaches all ages in order to show more people the skill and beauty of Taekwondo. He often organizes international exchanges to learn through observation, and tests his students’ skills through open competitions. In 2023, he brought nine competitors to the ITF’s Third Open in Malaysia, winning eight gold, five silver and five bronze medals.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
We were so happy when we got back because we made it this far. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win, it doesn’t matter the result. The experience is what’s important.

This past Lunar New Year, Machado Hodgson competed in the WAKO India Open kickboxing tournament organized by the Chinese Taipei Association, again earning great results.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
I competed in three categories. In Point Fighting I got third place, and I got first place in Kick Light.

At 19, Machado Hodgson came to Taiwan to study at his mother’s urging. He planned to go back to Nicaragua after graduating, but after finding a partner decided to stay and build his dream career. The day of his departure kept getting pushed back, as his dreams kept altering his plans. Hodgson says that some things in life must be decided on the spot. He plans to train more martial artists and referees to keep the tradition of Taekwondo alive.

Carlos Alberto Machado Hodgson
Taekwondo instructor
Taekwondo is a way of life. You can do it forever. It can improve your physical and mental health. So my dream is to train not only students, but also other coaches, so that anyone with an interest can teach.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2024-04-17

Ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen returns from conquering Swedish Arctic

Have you wondered what it would be like to trek for 500 kilometers in the snow near the Arctic circle? That’s precisely what ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen did last month at the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in northern Sweden. The runner gave a talk in Taiwan about his experience, sharing images of the grueling journey. Chen says that thinking of his family is what pushed him past the finish line.

Last month, ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen came second in the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra, a 500-kilometer foot race in northern Sweden. He was the first Asian participant to complete the challenge. Now in Taiwan, he held an event to share images of his experience.

Chen recounted the severe conditions he overcame, and the loneliness of the challenge. Thinking of his family back in Taiwan gave him strength to make it to the end.

Tommy Chen
Ultramarathon runner
Far away, 8,300 kilometers away, my mother must have been praying to Buddha for me. It gave me a sense of strength and stability. I missed my family.

Before competing in Sweden, Chen took part in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 700-kilometer race in Canada, where he also won a medal. Chen presented his father with the two medals, inviting him to run a race together in the future.

Tommy Chen
Ultramarathon runner
I’m not spending as much time with my parents, so I hope we get the opportunity to take part in a marathon in a polar region some day, be it 10 kilometers, or 20 kilometers. I think it would be an amazing memory. Of course, I don’t know if doing that would create a rift in our relationship.

Chen faced off against 54-year-old ultramarathon legend Thierry Corbarieu from France. Chen says the experience was inspiring and enriching. But he says he still plans to retire from racing at the age of 43. Next up for Chen is the For Rangers Ultra in Kenya this September.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2024-04-16

LAVA TRI Penghu International Triathlon to be held May 18 and May 19

The LAVA TRI Penghu International Triathlon will be back in action in May. Athletes can enjoy local delicacies and catch a glimpse of the Penghu International Fireworks Festival which is held from May to July. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the highlights!

Athletes step on their pedals, pushing into the strong wind. The LAVA TRI Penghu International Triathlon will kick off again in May.

At a pre-race press conference, race ambassadors Chang Chia-chia, Chang Chia-hao, and Hsu Jen-mao shared their training process and their goal for this year’s race.

Chang Chia-chia
Runner
This time I will participate in the 51.5-kilometer race. I am looking forward to it because Penghu has some hilly terrain and is very windy. It is very challenging.

Chang Chia-hao
Runner
I have done a lot of homework on the long-distance part. I put more effort into training compared to last year and the year before that.

There is a 113-kilometers and a 51.5-kilometer race. There is also a triathlon for children. For the first time, the race will kick off at Lintou Beach.

Lin Tse-hao
Organizer
This is our first year to hold it at Lintou Beach. In the past, we held it in other places. We want to hold this race at this beautiful beach to give participants a new experience. Again, we will ride to Xiyu and pass the Penghu Great Bridge. We will try to give a preview of the Iron Man Taiwan race next year here. At the same time, it is also the first time to hold an event in Penghu in conjunction with the Penghu International Fireworks Festival. I hope more people will come to Penghu for sightseeing and enjoy the atmosphere of the fireworks festival.

After the race, athletes can enjoy local delicacies and catch a glimpse of the Penghu International Fireworks Festival which is held from May to July every year. This year’s LAVA TRI Penghu International Triathlon will take place from May 18 to 19.

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2024-04-16

Jia Li, Jasper win Red Bull break dance tournament

Taiwan has just hosted a qualifier for the Red Bull BC One, the biggest one-on-one break dancing competition in the world. The winner in the men’s category was 17-year-old Jasper, Taiwan’s youngest champion ever. In the women’s event, the winner was defending champion Jia Li. Both dancers will represent Taiwan at the world final in Brazil later this year.

After making his way to the final, 17-year-old Jasper shows off his moves to a roaring crowd. He defeated his rival to become the youngest champion in the event’s history.

Jasper
B-boy
Of course I had a lot of doubts. I kept thinking about whether I’d be able to pull it off. I’d like to thank everyone in my crew, and all the teachers who taught me. I’d like to also thank all the competitors here. I was lucky. It was all luck. It’s not necessarily that I’m that great.

Jasper started break dancing in the sixth grade. When he reached junior high, he chose homeschooling in order to focus on dance. His goal is to make it to the Olympics.

Jasper
B-boy
My experience is quite special. Ever since junior high, I have wanted to focus my efforts to break dancing. My family has supported me. They helped arrange for me to be homeschooled, so that I could train in dance. Of course I want to compete in the Olympics. It’s the foremost competition in sports.

Over in the B-girl event, the title went to last year’s winner Jia Li, who represented Taiwan at the Hangzhou Asian Games. She is currently ninth on the Olympics reserve list, and she stands ready to compete at any moment.

Jia Li
B-girl
The important thing is to have the opportunity to compete in Shanghai and Budapest. I’m currently the ninth in line for qualification, so I’m keeping up with training to be able to compete if I get the chance.

Having won in their respective categories, Jasper and Jia Li will be representing Taiwan at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Brazil in December. There, the two will face off against top dancers from all over the world.

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2024-04-15