Yu Chui Yee to be "even stronger" in 2015

"Everyone is working hard for Rio. Also, the world fencing standard is getting higher and more competitive."

By most athletes' standards, a season that included three World Cup victories and team gold at October’s Asian Para Games in Incheon, Korea, would be considered a great success. But Yu Chui Yee is not just any athlete.

A star in her native Hong Kong, Yee describes her performances over the last 12 months as "good," but insists that there is room for improvement this year.

"I was not really pleased with my performance," admitted Yee. "I didn't do well in the individual events at the Asian Para Games. I still need to improve a lot in strategy and mentally. But I am sure that I will be transformed into an even stronger fencer in 2015."

With the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games drawing nearer, Yee is aware that her rivals will also be looking to improve on the piste and she is ready for the challenge.

"Everyone is working hard for Rio," she explained. "Also, the world fencing standard is getting higher and more competitive.

"Although competitions are intense, it will definitely make me stronger and better prepared."

When it comes to preparations, Yee has specific goals for the coming season.

"In 2015, the major goal will be defending the women's foil World Championship title, and also the women's team foil world champion title. And of course, I will work hard at all the World Cups to qualify for Rio."

Yee also has plenty of objectives away from competing. She is involved in a number of projects that she says come are a welcome distraction from the pressure of being an elite athlete.

"I established my own fencing school in Hong Kong in 2013," explained Yee. "I would like to promote fencing to the public and provide a good training environment for training the up-and-coming fencers."

"I would also like to contribute more time to charity work to promote a positive thinking among society."

The 30 year-old will also need a positive mindset to stay focused on her training in the early part of 2015, with the first major wheelchair competition still a few months away.

She says she will use the time before May’s Montreal World Cup to develop her skills and physical strength for the new season. Yee's rivals will not be pleased to hear that her motivation to win is as strong as ever.

"Training is of course tough. That's a fact. The most important thing is whether you have determination.

"Whatever you set your mind to do, find an inner determination that is stronger than waiting to become motivated by something, or someone else."

The IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships will take place between 17-24 September in Eger, Hungary.