William Yang

Biography

William Yang's journey to the Olympics has been one of resilience and determination. Born in Sydney to Chinese parents, William moved to Guangzhou for his primary education before returning to Australia to attend Knox Grammar School. His passion for swimming ignited during his school years, leading him to excel in various strokes, especially freestyle. His breakthrough came when he won gold in the 50m butterfly at the 2019 World University Games in Naples.

However, William's path was not without its challenges. He was diagnosed with a spinal tumour that nearly ended his swimming career, followed by a severe shoulder injury. Despite these setbacks, William's unwavering determination brought him back to the pool. He teamed up with renowned swimmer Kyle Chalmers, securing gold and silver medals in relays at the World Aquatics Championships and two golds at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

In 2023, William made a remarkable comeback, winning the 100m freestyle at the NSW State Championships and taking silver at the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast in 2024. His journey to the Paris Olympics was fraught with challenges, but his resilience ensured he would represent Australia as a relay swimmer.

William's experiences have given him a new perspective on his career. He no longer takes anything for granted and embraces every opportunity that comes his way. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the spirit of never giving up.