Taiwan ‘Queen of Judo’ Lien Chen-ling retires
台灣「柔道女王」連珍羚退役
| Lien to take on Komatsu coaching role in November
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — “Queen of Judo” Lien Chen-ling (連珍羚) announced her retirement and transition to coaching on Sunday (Oct. 20). The 36-year-old judoka will be coaching for Japanese conglomerate Komatsu’s judo club, per CNA. Lien, a three-time Olympian, has set numerous records. She is the first Taiwanese professional athlete in Japan and the first Taiwanese to win gold at the Judo Grand Prix Budapest in 2015. Lien said that age was a significant factor in deciding to retire. However, she believes that a judoka never truly retires but instead gives back to the sport in another way. When asked about possibly competing in Taiwan’s National Games in the future, Lien did not rule it out, saying, “As long as my body allows it and the company agrees, then I have the chance to compete.” Lien said she expects to take on her new coaching role in November. “I know I will eventually return to Taiwan, but before that, I hope to build a bridge between Taiwan and Japan,” she added. |
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| Michael Nakhiengchanh, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2024-10-21 |
