Beyond the Medals:
Life Lessons from Olympic Swimmer Camille Cheng
Introducing the First Guest of the DREAM Project
In the first interview of the DREAM Project, 11-year-old Elisabeth sat down with Camille Cheng, a three-time Olympic swimmer, seven-time Asian Games medalist, and co-founder of Mind the Waves, a Hong Kong charity supporting youth mental health.
Their conversation went far beyond athletics, revealing powerful lessons about identity, resilience, and personal growth that apply to every walk of life.
Swimming Through Life with Purpose
When Elisabeth asked Camille to describe herself in three words, she answered: compassionate, driven, and honest.
Growing up in China as a mixed-race child, Camille learned perseverance early and found her voice through sport. She explained to Elisabeth that true success isn’t about records or medals:
“It is not about what swimmer you are but about who you are.”
This mindset shift, from athletic identity to personal character, is a valuable framework for approaching challenges in any field.
The Power of Structure and Mindfulness
Behind her achievements lies discipline: 6:00 am wake-ups, 7:00 am training, consistent bedtimes. She even uses the 4-7-8 breathing technique to fall asleep.
For Camille, routines are more than performance tools; they’re anchors of balance:
“Daily sport and my routines help me avoid extremes, too high or too low.”
Her example shows how structure can create a foundation for both excellence and well-being.
Building an Emotional Toolbox
One of Camille’s most practical lessons was her approach to tough emotions. She described a personal toolbox she turns to when facing sadness, anger, or low energy:
Going to the ocean or nature
Baking
Puzzles
Journaling
Time with friends
This mindset highlights that even world-class athletes experience challenges, and that resilience is built by knowing how to care for yourself.
Embracing Mistakes as Opportunities.
Camille reframes mistakes not as failures, but as stepping stones:
“Mistakes are opportunities to learn.”
This growth mindset helps transform setbacks into progress, a lesson as vital in classrooms and workplaces as it is in sports.
Three Lessons for Her Younger Self
Looking back, Camille shared what she would tell her younger self:
Be less attached to results
Speak up
Be kinder to yourself
These lessons reflect a journey from external pressure to authentic self-expression, wisdom that young people like Elisabeth can carry into their own growth.
Thoughtful Decisions, Authentic Leadership
Camille also shared how she makes important life choices: seeking enough information, clarifying her why, and checking intentions. She admires Brené Brown, valuing vulnerability and authentic leadership.
Beyond medals, she hopes her legacy is about breaking self-limiting beliefs, nurturing body and mind awareness, and inspiring others as a change-maker.
A Message for the Next Generation
Elisabeth left the conversation with this powerful call to action from Camille:
“Be a change-maker. Believe in your ability to shape your life beyond limits.”
The DREAM Project is about collecting lessons like these, wisdom that helps young people build resilience, authenticity, and courage in a changing world.
Because as Camille reminds us, the real victories in life are measured not by medals, but by the character we shape and the compassion we carry.