The Untold Story of Lin Yu-ting's Boxing Journey Part 2
Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting unveils her journey from a little-known fighter to becoming Taiwan’s first-ever Olympic boxing champion. She shares how pain, discipline and perseverance shaped her rise to the top, and why boxing is far more than just a sport. In the second part of this interview, Lin talks about her new book and the powerful lessons behind every punch that pushed her to become a world-class competitor.
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Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting may be known for her fierce punches in the ring, but it’s her resilience outside of it that has truly defined her rise from a young fighter to Taiwan’s first-ever Olympic boxing champion.
In the second part of her interview on Zoom In Zoom Out, Lin spoke about how years of setbacks, self-doubt and perseverance molded her into the world-class athlete she is today.
Lin’s transformation began with a fundamental shift in her fighting style. “I used to be shorter, so my boxing style was naturally aggressive,” she said. “But as I grew taller, I was forced to change. When a taller boxer faces a shorter one, fighting at close range becomes a disadvantage.” That realization pushed her to refine her defensive and counterpunching skills — a process that took “a lot of time and effort to perfect.”
Her evolution wasn’t just physical. Lin built her mental game by keeping meticulous training journals and seeking constant feedback. “After each session, I write in my training journal—who I sparred with, how I felt, what went well, and what I didn’t,” she said. She also emphasized learning from teammates and coaches, saying, “I won’t stop asking them just because I’ve won Asian Games gold medals or world championships.”
Her trust in her coach, Tseng Tzu-chiang, has been unwavering since the beginning. “From not knowing how to box to today’s achievements, it’s all thanks to my coach’s guidance,” Lin said. She described Tseng’s mentorship as extending far beyond sports. “He has taught me how to face challenges and how to handle things in the best possible way. It’s much more than just boxing.”
But her journey was not without heartbreak. Lin recalled nearly qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics — a moment that almost ended her career. “It felt heartbreaking because I’d gotten so close, yet couldn’t make my dream come true,” she said. “I started wondering if I just wasn’t cut out for this.”
Her turning point came soon after, in an unexpected rematch against Indian boxing legend Mary Kom. “I was in a state of giving up on boxing,” Lin admitted. “But my coach and I decided to do it anyway.” What began as a symbolic fight to regain confidence ended in a stunning victory. “I actually beat her. I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “That match with Mary Kom changed everything. It gave me hope to chase my boxing dream again.”
That renewed determination carried Lin to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she made history by winning Taiwan’s first-ever Olympic gold in boxing. “What I’ve really learned is how to stay low-key and bide my time,” she said. “I went through a lot before the Olympics — doubts and criticism — but I chose to stay patient and focus on preparing myself.”
Looking ahead, Lin says her future depends on her body’s readiness to defend her title. If not, she hopes to help nurture the next generation. “I’ve started from the ground up. I know what it’s like to struggle when you have no resources,” she said. “I hope more athletes will bring home Olympic medals.”
When asked what boxing has taught her most, Lin summed it up simply: “To face everything with courage. Even when it feels tough or seems impossible, you have to confront it with bravery, overcome it, and achieve your dreams.”
