Considered one of the greatest female Asian athletes of the 20th century, Chi Cheng, ‘71 Kinesiology, broke track and field world records and received numerous awards, including a bronze medal in the 1968 Olympics. Although she has retired her running shoes, Chi continues to work tirelessly in promoting a healthy, active lifestyle in her home country of Taiwan.
Through the Hope Foundation, which she co-founded and serves as the chairwoman, Chi encourages people to walk 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy, save energy and to reduce each person’s carbon footprint. “We have a slogan that says, ‘10,000 steps a day keeps the doctor away’ – just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” she says.
As a former athlete and kinesiology major, Chi understands the value of health and taking care of one’s body. “Health is more important than wealth,” she says. “The most wealthy people in Taiwan cannot buy back the life of their beloved ones or their own lives.”
