'I feel British' Tennis champ Emma Raducanu, 19, speaks out on her multicultural identity
express.co.ukEmma Raducanu, who triumphed in the US Open last year, has revealed that both of her parents' cultures influenced her while growing up in the UK.
In a new interview, the tennis pro, 19, spoke out about her pride for her Chinese values, saying: "My mum instilled respect for everyone as a big part of my life."There’s also mental toughness and strength – not necessarily through being confident and everyone knowing that you are, but having that inner sense of belief."I feel like it’s a big thing in Asian culture," she explained.Emma also told how a fellow tennis hopeful who also has Chinese roots, Li Na, has been an inspiration for her too."Both her physicality and mental toughness [inspired me]," she revealed."She never really said much, but everyone knew she was like a lion inside."Meanwhile, Emma also acknowledged: "I grew up here, so I feel British."The blend of three different identities has made hard-working Emma who she is today.However, there's no disguising the fact that the values instilled in her by her parents included being down to earth."When I won the US Open, there was nothing big or amazing that my parents did to celebrate – we just came home and ate dumplings," she exclaimed.Confounding any expectations of a big celebratory party, she added to Elle magazine: "We are very normal."Emma also made headlines by allowing mum Renee and dad Ian to "take care of" her prize money - including the £1.8 million she won after clinching the US Open title.She told them it was up to them to "decide" how it should be spent.Emma has previously described her parents as "pushy", recounting how they introduced her to dozens of sports, including ballet, go-karting, horse-riding and swimming.The pair, who both have fast-paced.
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