Karateka Grace Lau ‘cool' about carrying Hong Kong's gold medal hopes at World Games

South China Morning Post

3 days ago

World No 1 Grace Lau Mo-sheung said she had this year mastered how to perform at her level amid all the accolades, and that her status as a world-leading athlete was no longer putting her under pressure during competition.
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Speaking on Monday ahead of the second World Games of her career next month, the karateka also said the multi-sport event was a competition she cared about.
'I was learning how to deal with my No 1 title last year as I truly felt the pressure,' she said. 'I am all good this year, and after what I have learned, I won't repeat the mistakes of the past and let them drag me down.
'I have felt fine this year, and I knew that I was not bothered any more given my performance in the Premier League and the Asian Championships.'
With three Premier League victories in four outings and a regional title – her third straight – since the start of the year, Hongkonger Lau said she was 'cool' about being the city's gold medal hope in Chengdu.
The Hong Kong delegation received its World Games send-off on Monday. Photo: Handout
'It's not about any extra pressure or motivation now, I just need to perform at my standard [and the results will take care of themselves],' said the Olympic medallist, who won a bronze in Tokyo in 2021.