Q&A
Ten years ago Kevin Han was working as a bicycle delivery person, searching for a better way of life. Today he is the U.S. badminton champion, searching for an Olympic medal.

What sports did you play growing up in China?
I played basketball from the third to the sixth grade. The badminton professional team of Shanghai had a trial, and my mother really wanted me to participate. I didn't want to disappoint her, so I gave it a try.

When did you come to the United States?
I came to the United States in 1989. We lived in an apartment in Brooklyn. I had to find a job and make a living. My first job was as a busboy at a restaurant, and I did deliveries in the evenings.

When did your Olympic badminton career begin?
I spent a year and a half in New York before dedicating myself to badminton. In 1994, I won the U.S. Nationals for the first time. I knew if I became a citizen of the United States, I would have a great chance to make it to the Atlanta Olympic Games. I became a citizen on December 13, 1994.

How did you train for the Olympic Games in Sydney?
This past year I was going to school and working 40 hours a week. I was able to train only two hours a day. But when school ended, I trained 25 hours a week, specializing on physical training, footwork, and agility.

What is it like representing the United States in the Olympic Games?
To be honest, it will be a miracle if I can win gold. However, I have been in this country for 10 years now, and I have learned that anything is possible. I will never forget when I felt there was no hope for me to have a good life in the United States, and that I would never play badminton again.

That experience made me a tougher person and made me appreciate all the wonderful things that have happened to me. I went from being a delivery boy to U.S. National Champion. I could not have asked for anything better.

The Olympic Spirit in YOU!
Kevin Han dedicated himself to his sport. He determined what he wanted to do, kept his focus and he accomplished his goals. Do this exercise to help you stay focused on your goals.

Make a list of at least five important goals that you want to accomplish. For each of the goals you listed, write down what those goals will contribute to your life. What will make each accomplishment worthwhile? Make a list of two to three things you can do to stay focused on each goal.

More Interviews

Akhnaten Spencer-El Alison Dunlap Anna Kozlova Barb Kunkel Chris Witty Dominique Moceanu Dan O'Brien Hunter Kemper

Jimmy Pedro Kevin Han Lindsay Davenport Laura Wilkinson Lisa Fernandez Mark Ruiz Ruthie Bolton-Holifield Tom Malchow

With thanks to Bob Schaller. For more great stories about Olympians, ask your librarian about The Olympic Dream and Spirit, Vol. 1,2, and 3, with Mr. Schaller, and Awaken the Olympian Within compiled by John Naber.