Janice Hung, an International Wushu champion, 10-time gold medalist, and Philippine media personality, forged her path through fierce family opposition and personal sacrifice. Her story is one of relentless defiance—against traditional expectations, physical discouragement, and sporting odds—culminating in international athletic glory and a successful career in television and modeling, all while championing women’s empowerment through martial arts.
Hung’s journey began with a childhood passion for Wushu, a Chinese martial art, which clashed sharply with her traditional Chinese family’s business-oriented aspirations. Despite active discouragement, including physical punishment for training, her conviction never wavered. Her athletic prowess also extended to track and field, where she unexpectedly won six gold medals in high school, earning a full university scholarship and eventually winning over her parents’ skepticism.
A pivotal turning point came when a national team coach redirected her from Wushu Taolu (routine) to Tai Chi, a fundamentally different discipline. Facing veterans with years of experience, Hung accepted the challenge, driven by newfound belief from her coach. Her dedication paid off when she won her first international medal at the 23rd SEA Games, launching a historic medal-winning streak.
Her athletic fame opened doors to entertainment, with roles in major Philippine TV series like Encantadia (as Bathaluman Ether), The General’s Daughter, and Ang Probinsyano. Beyond the spotlight, Hung founded the Udefend Project, a self-defense program aimed at empowering women and children. She actively engages in community feeding programs and promotes martial arts as a tool for building discipline, health, and resilience.
Hung describes her sports life as “military-like,” requiring extreme discipline in time, diet, and training. Despite a grueling schedule balancing two sports and academics, she trained harder than teammates to overcome being the “weakest link” early on. Outside her careers, she is an avid gamer, toy collector, food enthusiast, and cosplayer, emphasizing a multifaceted personality rooted in passion and sharing.
“I’ve encountered millions of reasons to give up,” Hung reflects, “but I realized I have a billion reasons not to.” Her narrative transcends sports—it’s about breaking cycles, believing in one’s potential, and lifting others. Janice Hung embodies the spirit of a modern champion: one who fights for glory not only for herself but for her community and country, proving that with determination, nothing is impossible.#
