Asian athletes have made a significant splash this year, from major achievements in Formula 1 racing to rookies getting the chance to prove themselves on the main circuit in their respective sports. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s biggest accomplishments and milestones among Asian Pacific Islander athletes.
Rui Hachimura is Traded to the City of Angels
After becoming the first Japanese player selected in the first round of the NBA draft in 2019, Rui Hachimura has since made a name for himself showcasing his skill set on the court. Born in Toyama, Japan, the 25-year-old forward made his NBA debut with the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. Since joining the Lakers, Hachimura immediately made an impact, becoming one of the team’s key players in their 2023 playoff run. With the performance he displayed in the short amount of time he’s spent in the City of Angels, Hachimura earned a contract extension this past offseason to remain with the Lakers with the hopes of competing for a championship title.
Rose Zhang Scores Victory in LPGA Debut
Making her LPGA Tour appearance at this year’s Mizuho Americas Open, Rose Zhang became the first woman to win in her LPGA debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951. Currently enrolled at Stanford University, the Chinese American golfer made a name for herself by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back individual NCAA titles at the Division I level, and also led her team to a national title last year. Adding to her resume, the 20-year-old became one of five rookies to join Team USA and participate at this year’s Solheim Cup, where they would unfortunately fall short to Team Europe in the final round.
Anthony Volpe Shine in Rookie Season with the New York Yankees
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