Li Jing Zhu 朱 丽静During my athletic career, I had the honor of being admitted to Beijing Sport University, the top sports institution in China. After struggling with overtraining, I shifted to volleyball as the Chinese women’s volleyball team was at its peak. However, my true passion for track and field led me back to it under the mentorship of Professor Yu Deling, the director of the Track and Field Teaching and Research Department. I decided to return to track and field, the cornerstone of the Olympics, embodying the spirit of higher, faster, and stronger.
At Beijing Sport University, I pursued my Olympic dreams, engaging in theoretical and practical studies of Olympic sports. The curriculum covered all sports events, sports medicine, rehabilitation, prevention, psychology, and traditional Chinese medicine. This elite education blended influences from the US Military Academy and professors returning from Russia.
Under the guidance of Professor YU Deling and YU Bing Zhen coaches for heptathlon and high jump, I received top-notch training. During holidays, another athlete and I were selected to stay and train daily. However, overtraining syndrome (OTS) eroded my confidence and performance, creating psychological challenges that I couldn’t discuss with my coach.
During China’s Olympic participation, the Chinese Olympic Committee and the State Sports Administration of China planned to establish sports psychology majors. I secretly took entrance exams and was selected for one of the first sports psychology programs at Peking University. The Cultural Revolution had previously canceled psychology programs in universities, so this was a significant step forward.
My coach was initially furious and ignored me for a semester, despite having treated us like family before. Eventually, he accepted my decision and adopted me as his goddaughter. Although my sports career was interrupted, I am grateful for the guidance of Professor Yu Deling and Coach Yu Bingzhen, two of the best coaches in China.
This dedication is for my godfather, Professor Yu Deling, and Coach Yu Bingzhen. Thank you for your mentorship and support.
Since being adopted by Professor Yu Deling, I have stayed in touch with them for decades, preserving our letters and memories.
Professor Vassilis Klissouras, often regarded as the “Father of Sports Physiology,” played a significant role during my elite education at Beijing Sport University and Peking University in China. The Chinese Olympic Committee invited renowned international professors to Beijing Sport University, giving me the opportunity to interact with globally respected academics. I engaged in written correspondence with many of them, and their responses profoundly influenced my learning.
Professor Klissouras was among these distinguished educators. Our sports psychology class consisted of only ten students, while the sports medicine class had twenty-five. We frequently attended lectures by world-renowned Olympic experts, asking numerous questions which were always answered patiently. Professor Vassilis’ lectures, filled with deep wisdom, left a lasting impression on me.
I had the privilege of meeting Professor Vassilis at the 2004 Athens Olympics. I presented my doctoral research at the conference, which was still in its early stages. Professor Vassilis attended my session and listened to my report. Afterward, I found myself outside discussing my work with several American professors who questioned my findings, particularly regarding “athlete mental illness.” Suddenly, a large screen nearby broadcasted news about a tragic event involving a Greek judo player and her boyfriend, emphasizing the emotional challenges athletes can face.
Professor Vassilis, a well-respected academic and chairman of the Olympic Congress, often included us young scholars in high-level meetings, despite our inexperience. This group included myself, Li Jing, and a Greek colleague, Yannis, who now teaches at a British university and contributes to the IOC Science and Sports Medicine Committee. Their mentorship has been invaluable.
Every May, I attended the European Sports Medicine Association meetings in Vienna, chaired by my professor, Professor Bachl. In Greece, during the WPA conference, Professor Vassilis warmly invited us to enjoy Greek seafood, a gesture I fondly remember. He also facilitated the inclusion of Greek computer experts in our EU research projects.
In 2013, I led the World Association of Psychiatry and Sports Psychiatry conference in Athens, a significant step before establishing formal communication with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This journey culminated in the “IOC Athlete Mental Illness Consensus Statement Conference” in 2018 at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, where I continued to receive guidance from my mentors.
Professor Vassilis inspired my work on “Sports Chinese Medicine Psychiatry” and provided support during personal setbacks. His invitation to Prague for a European Community meeting helped strengthen my psychological resilience, ultimately leading me to advocate for resilience in my communications with the IOC.
I am deeply grateful for the teachings and guidance of my Olympic mentors. Their wisdom has provided supreme inspiration and endless imagination. I look forward to visiting Professor Masris in Greece, sailing on his ship adorned with Einstein’s famous formula, and continuing to pursue excellence in Olympic science.
Singing all the way through wind and rain, we can achieve great things together.
Prof. Norber Bachl
Professor Norbert Bachl is a distinguished figure in the field of sports medicine, known for his extensive contributions to both academia and practical applications in sports performance and health. His teaching career at the University of Vienna has been marked by a dedication to advancing knowledge in sports and performance physiology, where he has mentored countless students and professionals.
As a leader, Bachl has played a pivotal role in the Austrian Olympic community, notably serving as the director of the Olympic Center Vienna from 2015 to 2020. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the community, ensuring that athletes receive the best possible support and training1.
Bachl has authored several influential books that have become essential readings in sports medicine. His works cover a range of topics, including performance diagnostics, training methodologies, and the impact of aging on athletic performance. These publications have not only enriched the academic discourse but have also provided practical insights for athletes and coaches alike.
His impact on sports medicine is profound, with his research and innovations contributing significantly to the understanding of how to optimize athletic performance and prevent injuries. Bachl’s work has helped shape modern sports medicine practices, making him a respected authority in the field.
Mentorship and Teaching: The Influence of Professors
The foundation of academic and personal growth is often laid by influential mentors who challenge and support their students. Throughout my journey, I was fortunate to encounter remarkable professors whose guidance significantly shaped my perspectives and aspirations. Notably, Professor Viktor Frankl, renowned for his work in existential psychology, inspired me to delve deep into the human experience and the meaning of life. His teachings extended beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of resilience and purpose. Engaging with his philosophy not only enriched my academic pursuits but also provided a profound framework for navigating personal challenges.
Another pivotal figure in my educational journey was Professor Zhang Guangde, a distinguished expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His deep knowledge and passion for TCM ignited my interest in health-preserving exercises, weaving together ancient wisdom with contemporary practices. Under his mentorship, I gained invaluable insights into the holistic approach to health, learning the significance of integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Professor Zhang’s teachings extended beyond theoretical knowledge; his practical demonstrations of TCM principles allowed me to appreciate how these concepts could be applied to everyday life
However, teaching TCM in various institutions presented its own set of challenges. The complexity of conveying intricate concepts in an accessible manner often tested my abilities. Yet, these experiences were instrumental in shaping my teaching philosophy. They emphasized the importance of adapting methodologies to suit diverse learning styles while fostering an inclusive environment conducive to academic exploration. Through interactions with students and fellow educators, I established connections within the sports community that further enhanced my understanding of health and fitness. These collaborative efforts served to deepen my appreciation for integrating mentorship and teaching, ultimately enriching both my professional endeavors and personal growth.
In the Olympic circle, relationships formed through mentorship can offer unique opportunities and perspectives. The guidance received from professors like Bachl has illuminated pathways that extend beyond academia, connecting me to networks within the sports community. These mentors embody a wealth of knowledge and expertise that have proven to be vital resources as I navigate the complexities of a teaching career. Recognizing their contributions to my journey, I pay tribute to these remarkable individuals whose impact resounds throughout both my personal and career development.
