Athlete Role Model

Athens Olympic Games champion and Beijing silver medalist Feng Kun of China will provide the inspiration and guidance for tomorrow’s generation of stars at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games as the Athlete Role Model for Volleyball. Each sport at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, which runs from August 14-26 in Singapore, will feature an Athlete Role Model, who will be on site giving the participants tips, encouragement, lessons and above all an example to follow. Feng, 31, was a legendary setter and captain of the Chinese women’s team who claimed gold at the 2004 Olympic Games by beating Russia in the final before leading China to bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games in her home city, beating Cuba in the playoff for third.

Born in 1979 in the Chinese capital of Beijing, Feng started to play Volleyball when she was 10 and fell it love with it soon after. She joined the local club Beijing in 1994 and was selected in the national side for the first time one year later. It was in 2001 that Feng began to make herself known internationally. After winning titles at the 1995 Women's World Junior Volleyball Championship, the 1996-1997 Asian Youth Volleyball Championship and the 1999 World University Games, Feng led China as captain to their first major title in 15 years at the World Grand Champions Cup.

Other honours soon followed with the 2003 FIVB World Grand Prix and FIVB World Cup titles and the Best Setter award at each tournament followed by the ultimate reward – the 2004 Athens Olympic Games title along with the awards of Best Setter and Most Valuable Player. Seen as the conductor of the Chinese attack, Feng was a joy to watch as she controlled China’s play as setter and captain.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to be asked to the Athlete Role Model for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore,” Feng said. “I am really looking forward to mixing with the young stars of tomorrow and offering any advice and guidance I can offer. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my Volleyball career and would like to share that with some of the younger generation, giving them an example of what Volleyball has to offer and the great live skills it can give you.”

Biography Born 28.12.1978 in Beijing, China Played for China from 1997 to 2008 Gold: World Grand Champions Cup 2001, World Grand Prix 2003, World Cup 2003, Athens Olympic Games 2004 Bronze: Beijing Olympic Games 2008