- Date: March 2 - Sept. 4, 2016
- Venue: National Museum of Taiwan History
- Address: No. 250 Zhanghe Rd. Section 1, Annan District, Tainan City,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- Website: http://www.nmth.gov.tw/
A number of well-known Taiwanese athletes have shined on the Olympic stage, including the "Iron Man of Asia” Yang Chuan-kwang (楊傳廣) and the "Leaping Antelope” Chi Cheng (纪政), but who came first?
In 1932, Taiwan made its first appearance on the Olympic stage when Chang Hsing-hsien (張星賢) competed in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Born during the Japanese colonial era, Chang was selected to join the Japanese Olympics team twice after defeating many Taiwanese and Japanese competitors.
Chang uniquely understood the special nature of Taiwanese identity at that time, as he underwent the identities of being a Taiwanese under Japanese colonial rule, a Japanese athlete at the Olympics, a Taiwanese athlete seeking breakthrough in northeast China, and a post-World War II Republic of China national.
After the end of WWII, Chang became a major promoter of track and field sports in Taiwan and provided guidance to such athletes as Chen Ying-lang (陳英郎), Yang Chuan-kwang (楊傳廣), and Chi Cheng (纪政), all of whom went on to represent the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Olympic Games.
"My Life As An Athlete" will tell the story of Chang from his perspective, leading audiences on his journey as an athlete. Each section will begin with an introduction containing quotes from his memoir.
The exhibition will also reflect the conflicts in national identity among residents of Taiwan, from the time of Japanese colonial power to the Nationalist retreat. His life story and national identity entanglements mirror the post-war history experienced by those who lived in the era of Japanese rule.
The late athlete is survived by son Chang Chao-ping (張昭平, center) and daughter Chang Hsiu-chen (張秀真, right), who both donated important memorabilia to the museum for this exhibition. Pictured on the far left is Chang Hsiu-chen's husband.