Julius Wong

“I was diagnosed with 2nd stage chronic meyloid leukemia back in November 2012; it was a shock to my family and myself. A month before, I had a near-fatal accident during a trip. Two months after my diagnosis, I was hit by dengue fever. Life was pretty bleak. I was out of job for a year to recover. I started telling myself no one could help me unless I helped myself. Slowly, I started to engage with society again.

I finally found a job in 2014, and ran marathons to stay healthy. Eventually, I progressed to 21km marathons, obstacle runs (Viper/Spartan), and was looking to up the ante.

Then came dragon boat in August 2017. My friend introduced me to it and I was hooked. I didn't think it could be so physically and mentally challenging!

But by the end of 2017, my life fell apart again; health, career, relationship, family, nothing seemed to work anymore.

I attempted suicide due to depression, which I only shared with close ones. My ex-partner’s being on the same dragon boat team didn't help; life was just too much for me to handle then. 

In March 2018, I joined KL Barbarians. Training was hard at first as much was different; unfamiliar faces scared me, too. Coaches and teammates were nice and helpful, though, and with their advice and assurance, things got better. Perseverance is the key.

By May 2018, I was finally racing again.

Forrest Gump said, "life is a box of chocolates;” you never know what you can achieve unless you try. I'm glad I joined a new team, and I haven’t looked back since. To be honest, I’ve never won any medals. Though the glory of the podium is enticing, what matters to me is doing my best for the team. 

I am stronger and fitter now than in years before. It is still a work in-progress, a never-ending process. I am glad to have support during difficult times and I'm forever grateful for friends and my team.

As the saying goes, you will never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option. I'm glad I've chosen to be strong and not let others bring me down.”

[Julius Wong Ling Tze/黄峰诚 (Sarawak, Malaysia), paddler on KL Barbarians.]

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