Jason Lo has been excelling in swimming since a young age, later transitioned into a canoe polo athlete representing Hong Kong while simultaneously working as a sports therapist, supporting fellow Hong Kong team members. Whether shining in the waters for the city or offering therapy assistance to fellow athletes, his life revolves around sports, and his passion for sports remains unwavering.
Navigating water to propel both sports and career
Jason has cultivated an enduring connection with water since his youth. During his secondary school years, he actively participated in the school swimming team. Fortuitously, he joined a canoe polo interest class with friends, leading him to eventually represent Hong Kong in the sports. This marked the beginning of a lifelong aquatic journey. His passion for canoe polo transcends mere personal achievements. He not only strives for excellence but also aims to impart his technical expertise and knowledge to others. Therefore, upon completing secondary school, he decided to delve deeper into the realm of sports by pursuing a Higher Diploma in Sports Coaching at IVE, laying a robust foundation for his future pursuits. The IVE program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, leaving a lasting impact on him. Among all subjects, sports psychology resonated deeply, emphasising the critical role of emotional management in optimising athletic performance. Applying these principles, he effectively navigated the pressures of his competitive endeavors.
Subsequently, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management at THEi, where a course on sports injuries unexpectedly reshaped his career direction. Given his athletic background, Jason comprehends the pivotal role coaches play in an athlete's journey, offering not only technical guidance but also essential psychological support to help them ride the waves to success. However, athletes inevitably face the woes of injuries; having been through it himself, he knows the importance of a sports therapist in this journey. This realisation fueled his decision to transition from coaching to sports therapy, allowing him to assist athletes in regaining peak physical conditions behind the scenes. Despite plans not keeping pace with changes, a promising future awaits as long as he pursue continuous learning. Much like his canoe polo matches, where he maneuvers through obstacles, propelling the ball forward against the current, perseverance ensures that the ball will inevitably breach the net.
Dual roles, dual missions
Upon graduation, Jason devoted himself to a career in sports therapy while continuing to serve as a representative member of the Hong Kong canoe polo team. He mentioned that the sport has been developing in Hong Kong for over twenty years. Hong Kong team was once dominant in the Asian Championships, followed by a performance decline in later years. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence in recent years, and Jason hopes to seize this opportunity to rekindle public interest in this niche sport through the team's performance and outreach efforts. Nevertheless, as he strived to move forward, he encountered technical limitations and struggled with injuries one after another. Aware of the pitfalls of comparing himself to others in the competitive arena, Jason chooses to focus on his own growth rather than others' achievements. He diligently records each game and training session, then reviews and reflects on them repeatedly, determined to surpass his past self. From his initial steps onto the field to the present, whether it’s improving technical skills, enhancing physical fitness, or nurturing a resilient mindset, these have all been part of his personal journey of self-improvement. He realises that there's no everlasting first place; only by continuously challenging his own limits, breaking through psychological barriers, and maintaining the right mindset can he steer his destiny in competitions without fear of the storms. This embodies genuine growth and victory.
Jason excels in canoe polo, while dedicating himself to his work as a sports therapist. Having served various organisations, his roles ranged from aiding the public to currently providing therapy for sports representative teams, offering vastly different experiences. For most people, sports serve to enhance physical well-being. In case of an injury, they often heed the therapist's advice by reducing exercise intensity, focusing on rehabilitation, and prioritizing injury prevention to facilitate an effective recovery process. However, for athletes, extended rest equates to valuable training time lost, making it a challenge in strike balance between the two. Jason, as an athlete and therapist, deeply understands this balancing act. From the perspective of an athlete, swiftly alleviating pain and returning to competition is the goal. Conversely, a therapist understands that high intensity exercise can escalate the risk of injury, requiring appropriate management and rest as the most prudent approach. Drawing on his wealth of experience, Jason skillfully harmonises these conflicting needs, crafting precise therapeutic strategies to assist athletes in peak performance during competitions, fostering his greatest sense of fulfillment. Recently, he served as an on-site therapist with the Hong Kong Athletics Team at the Asian Championships, bridging the gap between sports and therapy, mutually assisting each other, providing valuable support and aid to athletes. These experiences have also inspired him on how to enhance his own athletic performance. Jason combines his passion for sports with professional expertise, achieving the dual goals of improving athletic performance and optimising physical condition. Through aiding others, he strengthens himself further.
Steadfast determination, boundless opportunities
Jason encourages young people harboring sports dreams to prioritise dedication and never forget one’s aspirations. Valuing endeavors beyond mere monetary metrics, one should ardently tackle challenges to reap eventual rewards. Life mirrors rowing against the current, one must continuously paddle with determination to reach great distances and the shores of success.
