From Triathlete to Cycling Star: Ceci Lee’s Journey of Resilience
Ceci Lee Sze-wing has repeatedly transformed from a position of weakness into one of strength, emerging as one of Hong Kong’s most promising medal contenders in the upcoming National Games. Her journey from a triathlete to a cycling prodigy is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the support of her family.
Lee began her athletic career as a triathlete, where her performance was hindered by her lack of skill in cycling. “I just wasn’t good at it,” she admitted. “My dad wanted me to improve my results, so I focused more on my cycling.” This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter for Lee, who eventually enrolled in the local association’s Stars of Tomorrow programme. There, she discovered a passion for the speed and variety of cycling, including indoor and road races.
At the age of 12, Lee made a complete switch to cycling, and over the years, she has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most formidable athletes. Her journey has not been without challenges, however. Lee has openly discussed her struggles with performance anxiety, which have at times affected her results. Her coach, Herve Dagorne, once compared her to a football striker whose nerves fail them in front of an empty net. Despite these challenges, Lee has shown remarkable growth, and her recent performances suggest that the emotional hurdles she once faced are now behind her.
Since 2019, when her previous coach, Shen Jinkang, hailed her as “the star rider of the next generation,” Lee has carried the weight of high expectations. She initially struggled to keep up with competitors but gradually improved, earning multiple medals in both junior and senior competitions. In 2023, she upgraded from bronze to silver in the omnium, and in 2024, she claimed four medals at the championships. This year, she added a first continental gold in the scratch race, showcasing her versatility and determination.
However, Lee’s path has not always been smooth. Last year, she qualified for the Paris Olympics and arrived in the French capital ready to compete. On the road, she demonstrated incredible resilience, finishing 64th in what she called the “hardest race of my life.” The experience was emotionally taxing, and she later described feeling overwhelmed after a disappointing performance in the omnium. She also faced criticism on social media, which contributed to her feelings of depression.
Despite these setbacks, Lee has shown significant progress. After analyzing her performances and making mental adjustments, she has become more focused on the process rather than the results. “The process is more important than the results,” she said. This mindset shift has helped her perform better in recent competitions, including a close race against Yumi Kajihara in March’s Games test event. Coach Dagorne noted that this was the hardest race of her life, but Lee showed technical and tactical prowess throughout.
While Lee has made strides, old flaws still linger. In July’s China Track Championships, she built a lead only to falter in the final points race. However, she has used these experiences as lessons, recognizing the gap between herself and the world’s best. This realization has driven her to focus on improvement, leading to a more confident and positive outlook.
Lee has also begun to embrace comparisons with Sarah Lee Wai-sze, the two-time Olympic bronze medalist. Previously reluctant to discuss such comparisons, she now sees Sarah as a target. “My biggest ambition is to win Olympic and world championship medals,” she said, adding a steely “yes” when asked if she truly believes she can achieve this.
Supporting Lee in her journey are notable figures like Victoria Pendleton, a two-time Olympic gold medal cyclist. Pendleton praised Lee’s experience in Paris as a potential asset, saying, “It has to hurt, because if it hurts, you fight to avoid it happening again.” Sarah Lee, who retired in 2023, also acknowledged that it is time for a new name to take the spotlight.
As Lee prepares for the National Games, she has developed greater tactical awareness under Ben Kersten, the new Australian road endurance coach. Her recent performances, including a second-place finish in the Tour of Thailand and a bronze in the Asian Championships, indicate her readiness. She has also won on the road in Australia, where she and her teammates are fine-tuning their plans for the Games.
Whether she wins the omnium or secures medals in other events, Lee’s determination, courage, and belief will be key factors in her success. With a supportive father and a growing fan base, she is well-positioned to make her mark on the international stage.
