MAKING EVERY SECOND COUNT WITH ANJA CHONG
No room for second thoughts, no time for second place. As much as national short track speed skater Anja Chong disfavours the concept of a runner-up, the value of the 'second' as an interval of time is not lost on her. Being an athlete, and one who considers herself late to the game, Anja's race is against the clock.
"Knowing that I don't have enough time makes me value it more. I work harder, I train smarter, I am laser-focused on my goals. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but it's how we choose to spend that time that makes a difference."
The concept of seizing opportune moments is as critical during a race as it is in life. To overtake an opponent at flash point, racers risk crashing and falling, being disqualified, and at times, it could even mean losing the silver medal. But Anja reminds us that a winner's mentality actually involves failing—those who go far are those who are willing to risk it all.
Determined to find out what makes this SEA Games gold medalist and national champion tick, we spent some time with Anja to delve into her headspace, on and off the ice.
Determined to find out what makes this SEA Games gold medalist and national champion tick, we spent some time with Anja to delve into her headspace, on and off the ice.
Anja wears the reinvented brilliant black Chanel J12 watch with ceramic numerals and enhanced dial.
ONE YEAR AGO
Broken. Bullied. Drained. Time doesn't heal all wounds. But forgiveness does. So does hard work and rebuilding yourself.
ONE MONTH AGO
Weaker. Sometimes we stumble over the same block. But the getting back up is important. There is strength in vulnerability, learning and admitting that you are a work in progress.
ONE WEEK AGO
Stronger. Struggles with health have taught me to be grateful for my well-being. Biding my time and slowly working on my fitness has paid off. We all get stronger with time.
ONE DAY AGO
Loved. Do the things you love. Spread love. Be around loved ones. The people who love me lift me up. They teach me
to lead with love.
Broken. Bullied. Drained. Time doesn't heal all wounds. But forgiveness does. So does hard work and rebuilding yourself.
ONE MONTH AGO
Weaker. Sometimes we stumble over the same block. But the getting back up is important. There is strength in vulnerability, learning and admitting that you are a work in progress.
ONE WEEK AGO
Stronger. Struggles with health have taught me to be grateful for my well-being. Biding my time and slowly working on my fitness has paid off. We all get stronger with time.
ONE DAY AGO
Loved. Do the things you love. Spread love. Be around loved ones. The people who love me lift me up. They teach me
to lead with love.
TELL US, WHO WAS ANJA CHONG…
With the Calibre 12.1, a new self-winding movement manufactured exclusively for Chanel, the J12 reflects the precision so highly lauded in the world of professional sports.
An instant. You train a lifetime for a moment that could end in a second.
Moments. Laughter, hugs, victories—they all add up to the beautiful thing called life.
Subjectivity. In a squat, 60 seconds can feel like forever but a 60 second lie-in is over before you know it.
Moments. Laughter, hugs, victories—they all add up to the beautiful thing called life.
Subjectivity. In a squat, 60 seconds can feel like forever but a 60 second lie-in is over before you know it.
WHAT DOES TIME MEAN TO YOU?
DOES SPEED REMAIN A PART OF YOUR IDENTITY WHEN YOU STEP OUT FROM WITHIN THE RINK?
I'm a sprinter on and off the ice. There is no stopping once I've set my sights on something. I've always loved to move fast; mediocre is boring. But now, between sports, doing business development part-time and building a start-up—I am challenged to find balance rather than rushing head first into things. Every so often, taking time to lay the foundation, is what creates success.
On Anja's wrist is the Chanel J12 in white ceramic. This timepiece features a white-lacquered dial set with 12 diamond indicators.
Winning the first of three gold medals at the SEA Games in 2017 was very emotional for me. It was the proudest moment in my career thus far but there were so many things I had to overcome to prevail. Despite the politics, threats and mind games, I decided that losing was not an option.
Strength training is not just for sports, but for life. It is literally built on the idea of tearing muscles, in order for them to rebound and get stronger. We have to keep pushing for more to grow and improve. To young aspiring athletes, believe in yourselves—that is half the battle won.
Strength training is not just for sports, but for life. It is literally built on the idea of tearing muscles, in order for them to rebound and get stronger. We have to keep pushing for more to grow and improve. To young aspiring athletes, believe in yourselves—that is half the battle won.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM YOUR SUCCESS?
Black or white, with diamonds or without, these timepieces celebrate a two-decade-long legacy carved by iterations that followed the first automatic watch by Chanel, the original J12. With its proprietary movement from Kenissi and inspired redesign, Chanel remains at the forefront of innovation and style. Learn more here.
Credits
Videography: Octopost Studio
Photography: Ting Yang Shan
Assisted by: Michael Lim Wei-Quan
Creative direction, styling and text: Alyssa Lee
Art direction: Yi Suen Chong
Animation: Muhammad Heirzy Jonet
Hair: Cody Chua
Makeup: Shiyo Joo
Talent: Anja Chong
Location: Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium (MYNISS)
Videography: Octopost Studio
Photography: Ting Yang Shan
Assisted by: Michael Lim Wei-Quan
Creative direction, styling and text: Alyssa Lee
Art direction: Yi Suen Chong
Animation: Muhammad Heirzy Jonet
Hair: Cody Chua
Makeup: Shiyo Joo
Talent: Anja Chong
Location: Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium (MYNISS)
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