Location Sponsor: Canton Kitchen, Cover Wardrobe Sponsor: Double U by Jimmy Wong / Baron & Co.
In the rhythmic world of badminton, where shuttlecocks dance across the court, Goh Liu Ying once held the spotlight as a celebrated name in Malaysian sports as a mixed double player that has been consistently ranked among the top 10 in the world with her partner, Chan Peng Soon. Having gracefully retired from the badminton arena, Goh Liu Ying found herself at the center of a new exhilarating match – the journey into motherhood. On the auspicious day of Merdeka 2023, Liu Ying, our cover star for this February issue, embraced a role she hadn’t anticipated during her sporting days—motherhood.
“On the day I gave birth to my baby, the image of me wearing a Malaysia jersey kept appearing in my mind.”
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, she shares, “Becoming a mother on National Day gave me a special feeling. On the day I gave birth to my baby, the image of me wearing a Malaysia jersey kept appearing in my mind. I once represented Malaysia in competitions and now I’ve given birth to a Merdeka baby. Malaysia is forever in my heart!”
Transitioning from Athlete to Mother & Entrepreneur
The transition from a professional badminton player to a mother brought forth a wave of changes and new discoveries for Liu Ying. “I needed to relearn many things, such as time management and healthy nutrition for myself and my baby,” she shares. Whether on the badminton court or in the realms of motherhood, one constant remained — self-discipline. “What has changed the most is my mentality. It seems that my patience is getting better and better,” Liu Ying adds with a reflective smile.
“My badminton career taught me communication, self-discipline, and the ability to control my emotions.”
Drawing upon the lessons from her illustrious badminton career, Liu Ying discovered that skills honed on the court were surprisingly applicable to the challenges of motherhood. “My badminton career taught me communication, self-discipline, and the ability to control my emotions,” she reflects. The communication skills fostered on the court seamlessly translated into real-life situations, especially in her interactions with her partner. Acknowledging the learning curve, she adds, “Because there are many new things, it is inevitable that I will lose control occasionally, and there is still a lot of room for improvement.”
Journey into Parenthood: Challenges and Surprises
Balancing the responsibilities of a new mother and entrepreneur, Goh Liu Ying acknowledges the difficulties of this stage in her life. “At this stage, it is actually quite difficult, and I often feel that I am not doing well enough. However, you really need to spend a lot of time processing and learning, including being very self-disciplined. With a willingness to learn, practice makes perfect,” she shares.
Despite the challenges, there are moments of pure joy. Liu Ying reflects on the birth of her baby, a moment that left an indelible mark. “The moment the baby was born, although it was a normal thing, tears naturally flowed down my face when I heard the baby’s first cry. In fact, I cried with joy,” she recounts.
Goh Liu Ying was awarded by the Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘First Medalist in Olympic Games Badminton (Female)’.
Life Beyond Motherhood
After gracefully retiring from the badminton arena and becoming a mum, Goh Liu Ying ventured into a realm where she could impart her knowledge and passion for the sport. She founded GLY Academy in Melaka, and envisions a space where aspiring badminton enthusiasts can not only learn the game but also foster a deep love for it. In parallel, she has taken on the role of running a sports agency, Wellsport, and delved into the world of fashion with Tuilerie, a gown rental shop in Kuala Lumpur. These diverse endeavours underline Liu Ying’s dynamic interests beyond the shuttlecock.
The opening of GLY Badminton Hall in Krubong, Melaka, stands as a testament to her commitment to bringing more resources to her birthplace. This multifaceted approach showcases Liu Ying’s determination to contribute to both the athletic and cultural dimensions of her community.
Goh Liu Ying’s journey is not just about her past achievements but also about the legacy she envisions for the future. In her words, “I especially want to cultivate the interest of Malaysian girls in badminton, so even if I am no longer on the court, I will continue to do activities about badminton, including giving motivation talks.”
A Piece of Advice
In sharing her insights, Goh Liu Ying offers a heartfelt piece of advice to fellow mothers navigating the delicate balance between career and family. “I think being a mother is really not easy. No one can be a perfect mother, a perfect wife, or a perfect daughter-in-law,” she wisely notes. Liu Ying emphasises the importance of learning and resilience, assuring mothers that even in the face of challenges, every effort counts. “If you are really stressed, find ways to release negative emotions, such as taking time off for a delicious meal or going out for a walk. After throwing away the negative emotional garbage, you will be a motivated mother again,” she shares, highlighting the significance of self-care and maintaining a positive outlook.
Goh Liu Ying’s journey is a testament to the strength that accompanies changing roles, highlighting that significant triumphs often occur outside our usual domains. As we conclude the interview, we asked if there will be anything different this Chinese New Year since it’s her first time celebrating with her baby. She laughed and said “the only difference will be the fact that previously, i’m the one who received red ang pao packets, but now it’ll all go to my kids.”
The shuttlecock may have left the court, but Goh Liu Ying’s rally in life continues, inspiring parents and dreamers alike to embrace the beauty of every unexpected twist in their own narratives.
Liu Ying Wardrobe: Li-Ning
Babywear: Baron & Co.
Location: Canton Kitchen
