On 10th June, within the auditorium of HHKCS, two distinguished figures from the swimming world – Hong Kong ultra-marathon swimmer Ryan Leung and Japanese swimming legend and elite coach Ryosuke Imai, engaged HHKCS students in a profound dialogue transcending language and disciplines.
Students confidently conducted the entire exchange in fluent English, asking insightful questions, witnessing firsthand how “Courage,” “Fellowship,” and “Breaking Boundaries” forge extraordinary lives. This was more than a talk about aquatic sport; it was a powerful lesson on human limits, forging resilience, and holistic development.
Let’s explore key insights from our guests！
Exceptional Guests: Boundary-Breakers
In and Out of the Pool
Ryan Leung
Hong Kong ultra-marathon swimmer
He is the only Hong Kong swimmer to conquer the North Channel-the formidable 35-kilometre strait between Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland. He achieved this incredible feat in 14 hours and 5 minutes, demonstrating extraordinary endurance and strength. He also serves as Ambassador for the Child Development Initiative Alliance (CDIA).
Ryosuke Imai（Coach Ryo）
An influential Asian elite swimming coach
A swimming legend with a stellar record. Former Japanese national breaststroke team member, he was the first Japanese man to break the one-minute barrier in the 100m breaststroke (short course). He also holds the Masters World Record for 50m breaststroke in the 40-44 age group. An outstanding alumnus of the University of Southern California, he was a 7-time NCAA All-American and 3-time PAC-10 Champion.
Beyond his pool achievements, as a leading Asian swim coach, he has held ambassadorial and leadership roles for world-class events. Currently CEO of Wonder Years Co. Ltd and International Director of WE Swim Club, his innovative spirit led to the patented Smarter Kit Pro swim training device. Whether coaching Olympic hopefuls, consulting for global swim organisations, or building educational-athletic bridges, Ryosuke remains a transformative force in international aquatic sports.organisations
Taking Initiative:
Harnessing Your Environment to Push Limits
Asked about “unforgettable experiences in international competition and their lessons,” Coach Ryo recounted his challenging path to university.
Facing the language barrier pre-internet, he pored over a dictionary for three hours to draft a single application email. Confronted by high US tuition fees, he earned scholarships through competitive success in the pool. This perseverance ultimately won his parents’ respect. He stressed that mentors and peers met through sport are invaluable, urging students to cherish Harrow’s exceptional resources (faculty, environment, peers), as these connections often become lifelong friendships.
Forging Resilience:
Composure Underpins Breakthroughs
Addressing “As an Olympic elite athlete, have you ever faced setbacks or failures, and how did you overcome them?,” Ryan shared his North Channel ordeal.
He described the ordeal of immersion in cold water: fingers stiffening after one hour and becoming completely unresponsive after fourteen. Through sheer conviction, he ultimately surpassed his own limits to complete the challenge. He emphasised that unwavering belief is paramount to achieving goals, noting that control over one’s mindset exerts a decisive influence on the outcome.
When discussing “how elite sport shaped life beyond the pool – academically, socially, personally,” both guests described how intense training and competition fostered exceptional self-discipline. Juggling rigorous schedules and academic demands, they learned to find joy amidst hardship. This discipline, they explained, permeates all aspects of life.
This resolute belief, positive mindset, and immense willpower form the bedrock of a successful life.
Harrow Resonance:
Aligning Core Values
Following the contributions of the two guests, Dr John Tan, Founding School Head of HHKCS, shared his personal journey with students – his decision to transition from studying dentistry at HKU to pursuing his passion for education during his university years. Drawing on this experience, John urged students that when faced with seemingly contradictory choices on their academic or life’s journey, they should pursue their aspirations with courage and resolve.
Mr David Liao, Head of PE(Primary and Secondary) at HHKCS, highlighted how both guests’ journeys embody Harrow’s core values of Courage and Fellowship.
Coach Ryo’s courage in overcoming language barriers and crossing the Atlantic to study in an era without digital aids was truly admirable —this pioneering spirit resonates deeply with Harrow’s ethos.
Both Ryan and Coach Ryo spoke of the invaluable bonds formed with teammates and coaches. These relationships powerfully illustrate the value of teamwork, mutual encouragement, and collective progress – principles deeply ingrained within Harrow’s educational philosophy. The school actively cultivates students’ collaborative spirit and sense of community.
This talk vividly demonstrated HHKCS commitment to “holistic education”. Through deep, English-language interaction, students honed their confidence in communication and their courage to ask probing questions, directly absorbing invaluable life lessons from world-class role models.
The guests’ stories of struggle, perseverance, and wisdom strongly align with the Harrow values of courage, honour, humility, and fellowship. The dialogue transcended swimming, offering a profound lesson on confronting challenges, pushing personal boundaries, and shaping an exceptional life.
We encourage HHKCS students to integrate the experiences and inspiration gained into their future studies and lives, boldly writing their own “boundary-breaking” chapters! We look forward to more inspiring events ahead.
