Hong Kong karting champion overcomes UK crash to chase F1 dream
'[The kart] flipped on the track. I landed on the back of my shoulder, and I broke the bone,' said Katrina, 15.
The young racer had to stop karting for about eight weeks. She suffered a broken shoulder.
But Katrina was drawn to the sport despite the dangers. In the last three years, she has become a regional karting champion.
Living her dream
Katrina started karting at the age of seven when she visited a track in Malaysia. She loved 'the thrill, the speed' of the sport.
'I really enjoyed all of that competitiveness and being fearless,' she said.
Katrina grew up in Hong Kong, where the karting community is small. She moved to Malaysia at the age of 10 to pursue a career in the sport.
She has also stopped going to a traditional school. Last academic year, she joined Minerva Virtual Academy, an online international school for athletes. 'It helps me balance my classes,' she said. She added that she could complete her schoolwork at her own pace.
The hard work and sacrifices have paid off for Katrina, who has won several junior Asian titles since the age of 12. She said these wins were some of her proudest moments.
Racing as a girl
Another reason she feels so motivated to improve as a racer is to 'beat the boys'. 'It's just really nice to break boundaries as a driver and especially as a girl,' she said.
Most athletes in karting are boys. Katrina wants to make a statement and showcase her capabilities as a female racer. But she has faced some resistance.
'I've had a few times where I was on track, and I was getting pushed off by the boys,' she said. 'It makes me more motivated to push them off.'
Katrina does not let negative experiences bring her down.
'Gender doesn't really matter ... You can't really compare or care about the people around you,' the young champion said.
Katrina is proud to represent Malaysia as a female driver. More young women and girls are participating in karting. She said she felt the sport was becoming much more 'supported by women'.
Katrina hopes to become a successful Formula One driver one day. Until then, she will continue to show her strength and work ethic.
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