In this series, we spotlight some of Shanghai's most aspiring athletes and ask them why playing sports is so important to them.
What sport(s) do you play?
I play many sports, such as tennis, badminton, swimming, rugby and fencing, but the sport I love most and I’m really passionate about is football.
What do you love most about playing sports?
The thing I love most about sports is that they are very enjoyable and if you want to go professional in the sport you like, it gives you something to work towards, and that’s my ultimate goal. But if I don’t make it in one sport, I have others to fall back on in the future.
What is your most memorable moment?
When I went to a football camp during the summer in England. It was the first time I had played in front of professional scouts, let alone 50 of them. As a first experience with so many big clubs there, it was great and one of the scouts told me I had potential and to keep on working hard and practicing. That was brilliant.
Describe your experience playing on sports teams at your school.
So far Harrow has been successful in sports tournaments. The school has only been open for a short time, yet we are competing with schools that have been open for years and giving them a run for their money. So it has been brilliant and I look forward to a great future in sports at my school.
What do you find most challenging about sports?
The thing I find most challenging is that you have to practice every skill in each sport. For instance in football: touch, shooting, stamina, passing, defending and so on. It’s hard because to get to the top of a sport because you have to be good at every aspect.
What are the most important qualities of a good athlete?
There are many qualities you have to have in order to be a good athlete. You have to stay focused and not be distracted easily, have a good attitude and obviously be good at the sport. But never giving up is key whether you are 7:0 down in a football game or last in a race. Never give up – never, ever!
Do you hope to pursue sports as a career in the future?
My dream is to be a professional footballer when I’m older. I love football and I train hard to get to where I want to be and you have to push yourself as nothing is ever easy in life. ‘No pain, no gain.’
What’s your biggest success so far?
I have won many awards in football, cross-country, athletics, fencing, badminton and swimming and, yes, it’s great to win an award, but you have to keep on training as an award is only a signal that you’re on track. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t consider these my greatest success, instead I think it is my determination to work hard and improve.
What is your favorite professional sports team?
Leicester City – I have supported them my whole life.
Ben Cook is in year 8 at Harrow Shanghai.
