Falling down is just a chance for you to get back up again.Roller freestyle skating is a branch of roller sport, and athletes usually compete in three events: the speed slalom, single or pair freestyle slalom, and the freestyle slide.
Roller skaters learn how to perform lots of spectacular moves, such as jumps, spins and turns. But one of the basic requirements of the sport is being able to handle pain, said promising star-on-wheels Anson Chan Man-fung.
Anson, a 16-year-old student at HKUGA College, was the first local athlete to win a silver medal in the youth speed slalom race at the 2013 World Roller Freestyle Skating Championships in Taiwan.
Last year, he went a step further to win gold in the same category at the Paris Slalom World Cup in July. Such great achievements didn't come easily - he endured countless falls during both training and competitions.
"Falling is common in this sport so roller skaters like me need to overcome physical and psychological pain," said Anson. "Once you fall down, you have to get up at once. Get over it and carry on to the finish."
How can skaters avoid falling over? "Accidents are unavoidable. But believing in yourself is the key to completing the movement. Once you step off the podium to start your movement, go for it! Imagine every step as smooth and shining," said Anson.
Anson said the sport requires stamina, as well as the ability to cope with pain. "A stronger physique and better fitness make every style - take the one-wheel spin, for example - more powerful. I train for three hours, four days a week, and spend one hour of that time each session running, to improve physical toughness."
Anson is now preparing for the Paris Slalom World Cup 2016, which takes place from July 21-24.
Bench notes
What song title best describes you when you're playing your sport?
Bruno Mars' Today My Life Begins, because it taught me to face challenges with courage and move on from failure.
Who are your favourite athletes?
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and American basketball star Kobe Bryant.
Bolt's desire to break his own records in the 100- and 200-metre sprints is inspiring. I'll follow his example by trying to create new tricks in the freestyle slalom.
Bryant is a talented athlete who is not only a skilled basketball player, but also a strong team player.
If you could have a superpower for 24 hours, what would you choose and how would you use it?
I wish I could teleport, so I could visit the beautiful town of Geisingen, in Germany.
What food would you never give up?
German sausages.
Ten years into the future, you are a famous athlete. What company would you sign on as a spokesperson for, and what product would you promote?
I would like to promote Seba products. Its roller-shoes are excellently tailor-made for skaters.