Team 2020
by ghmorrow,
Fri Apr 9 17:03:06 1999
Greetings Yuen Li,

You and your teammates did a wonderful job in the Moroccan wilderness. I know you were the first Malaysian team at Eco-Challenge. What lessons did you learn.

Thank you,

Greg
Yuen
by cratzo,
Fri Apr 9 19:20:55 1999
Hi Yuen what is your favorite place to explore?
Yuen
by yuenli,
Mon Apr 12 09:01:03 1999
Dear Greg, Thanks for your message. It's very hard to try to encompass the whole experience of the Eco Challenge with something as prosaic as words. But I had a go anyway!! These thoughts were buzzing around my head in the waning days of the race and when I got back, I put down some of the less awkward ones. So here they are :

It was a journey of contradictions. The nature of water is that it is fluid. Yet we were held fast in the steely grip of the sea. The nature of rock is that it is inert. Yet we have seen mountains glow with a flame akin to life. We have seen children sitting in their stone doorways gaze at us with the wisdom of hundreds of years in their eyes. We have seen grey-bearded shepherds laugh at our antics with the candor of a child. But the most striking contradiction of all was that in this desolate, lifeless landscape, we somehow came to terms with our humanity; our physical insignificance, our impotence as individuals, yet also our astonishing ability for courage and love. And most of all, we came to terms with that wild spark of imagination that drives us; our ability to dream and to believe in something much, much larger than ourselves.

Regards, Yuen-Li
Yuen
by yuenli,
Mon Apr 12 09:06:37 1999
Dear Cratzo,

I suppose my favourite place to explore is that mysterious place inside oneself; that place that lies somewhere between inspiration and the commitment of actually doing, between self and others, between head and heart.

Yuen-Li
My champion!
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 09:26:23 1999
I was completely humbled by your spirit. What a classy performance. The most cherished memories I have of Morocco are the remarkable people I met -- and you top that list. Just damn proud to line up with you, and look forward to doing the same in 2000. Onward, my sister!

Rodger McFarlane McRodger@aol.com
Yuen
by mattinno,
Mon Apr 12 13:45:28 1999
I am in awe of the human spirit during Eco-Challenge. What physical preparation would you recommend as appropriate in order to become involved in an event as grand as Eco-Challenge. I see that you were and Outward Bound Instructor,were you able to draw personal experience from the challenges you accomplised as an instructor? My motto has always been, conquer your fears and release them! Carry on!
Yuen
by marygrow,
Mon Apr 12 14:11:30 1999
good luck in the future and keep persevering, setting an example for all oriental females (I have an adopted daughter from Korea, and always look for female role models for her).
hello
by tweederbrooks,
Mon Apr 12 20:01:33 1999
good job, but can you explain how to get a team together, get entered, and fund the race

tweed@drexel.edu
Yuen
by scottemi,
Mon Apr 12 20:46:45 1999
Your attitude and perseverance in the face of adversity was inspirational. I was really moved by the way your team walked to the summit holding hands as a team, and not as individuals. …Scott

Your sense of yourself and what the eco-challenge is really about was moving and encouraging. It makes me want to go out and do a mini-challenge! Thanks for reminding us all that it's the journey that's the most rewarding! …Emi
Yuen
by krisc,
Mon Apr 12 20:59:44 1999
You were an inspiration to me & my husband. Winning doesn't necessarily mean finishing first. What an accomplishment.Congratulations!
Yuen
by ecofreak,
Mon Apr 12 21:01:33 1999
How many bad injuries did you have, if any? By the way, you and your team were very inspiring, the way you pushed to make the cutoff.
Yuen
by hwozdyk,
Mon Apr 12 21:02:24 1999
I JUST WATCHED YOU AND YOUR TEAM REACH THE SUMMIT AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I FEEL THAT I MADE THAT "EMOTIONAL JOURNEY" WITH ALL OF YOU!!! CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR ALL! MICHELE, DENVER,CO USA
Yuen
by fkisek,
Mon Apr 12 21:07:52 1999
We just came back from visit to Malaysia, which we enjoyed. We cheered you on. Where did you and team do most of your training?
Yuen
by montanaj,
Mon Apr 12 21:09:11 1999
Yuen Li! Congratulations on your completing the eco-challenge. I do not know if you remeber us, but Pierre and I met you rock climbing at Parnang, Thailand. We had a great pre New Years celebration with you and your friend. Pierre and I were very surprised to see you on TV last night. Our e-mail address is still the same if you still have it. If not please post us a message and I will give it to you. Again good job on the eco-challenge. Janet Tombre, Montana, USA
Yuen
by angelbird,
Mon Apr 12 21:09:57 1999
What an amazing story of behind your team. You were an incredible motivator. Watching you make the deadline with 20 odd minutes to spare was the most incredible part of the race. Rock on sister!
Yuen
by wenjay,
Mon Apr 12 21:10:58 1999
Hello Yuen Li, We just finished watching the Eco-Challenge on TV. You are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us on the couch. It was quite special. I wish you well in anything else you decide to tackle. I sense success for you. Wendy
Yuen
by terry5,
Mon Apr 12 21:16:33 1999
Hello Yuen Li, Just watched you and your team reach the summit. Your experience was so inspiring to me. Your perserverence to go on and meet the cut-offs to finish when they didn't think you could was so remarkable. You had the true spirit of adventure through the whole race and I just congratulate you on that alone. Best Wishes,

Gina
Yuen
by metrobng,
Mon Apr 12 21:19:02 1999
Dear Yuen - Team 2020's story was by far the most inspirational of the entire Eco-Challenge. You are a true leader and your country, as well as the human race can be very proud of you. What 2020 did, against all odds, teaches that you CAN do anything you set your mind to - all you need is the will to do it. Thank you and your team mates for keeping my family glued to the Discovery Channel for two evenings cheering you to victory.

God Bless You, Terry Black USA
Yuen
by monohan,
Mon Apr 12 21:20:38 1999
Thanks for the inspiration - You are awesome! Best wishes in your future endevours - What's next for you?

Jeff
Yuen
by leddy,
Mon Apr 12 21:22:39 1999
My husband and I just finished watching Ecochallenge. I was so encouraged and please to witness the true spirit of the Malaysian people. I live in Penange for a year and loved the people and the country. I was routing for you and your team the whole way! Way to go Malaysia!

Leddy
Yuen
by pkj,
Mon Apr 12 21:23:24 1999
Yuen, Just finished watching the 1998 Eco-Challenge. You are awesome! I thought you exemplified the true profile of a leader in the field under extreme conditions. You inspire me on all journeys "ludicrous" or other wise! Good Luck on your future adventures. PJ
Yuen
by lorretta3,
Mon Apr 12 21:38:07 1999
You are an inspiration to all women. Your team was amazing. Your strength and perserverance carried all of you thru. Congratulations for finishing.
Yuen
by lateda,
Mon Apr 12 21:38:26 1999
The most meaningful thing that I heard on the show was that your goal was to finish and to finish as friends. This was very evident as your team reached the summit linked hand in hand. Do you think that your team may have even surpassed friendship and reached an even higher level of connectivity?
Yuen
by rachel5910,
Mon Apr 12 21:50:28 1999
Your team spirit was was really touched many of our hearts. You have inspired us all with you courage and stamina. How long have you known your team members? I am just asking because you all seem to be very close.
Team 2020
by janehall,
Mon Apr 12 21:58:54 1999
Hello Yuen-Li,

I too was moved by your spirit and positive attitude throughout the Eco-Challenge. You are a great role model for everyone!

My friends and I have a question for you: How did you come up with your team name? What does 2020 signify?

Thanks for participating in this forum! - Naina
Yuen
by mimaw,
Mon Apr 12 22:18:20 1999
Yuen-Li, You go, Girl!!! My partner and I have been looking forward to watching this EcoChallenge since last year when we saw the one in Australia. This year's competition gave us so much more than we even imagined. Having so many women represented in leadership positions was great! We were pulling for team 2020 from the start; so we were overjoyed when you and your team reached your goal. It was inspiring to see the transformation that takes place when you draw upon all of your resources, especially the spirit within, to take the next step. Being in a land full of such majesty, you must have felt your connection to the universe and to each other very humblng yet very powerful. It was evident in just watching on tv. How are your team mates? I know they must be glad that it's over. Is this a once in a lifetime experience for you all, or do you want to do it again someday? Thank you for making this journey. We are a so very proud of you. Michelle & Pepper
Yuen,congrats
by sbennett,
Mon Apr 12 22:20:29 1999
Yuen, congrats on a great race. Not only did you and your team finsh but you all did it gracefully. How much different was it for you this year as opposed to last year when you were covering the race? Did you have any ideas that it would be this tough? The best of luck to you and your team in the future Eco-challenge racers. Scott Bennett
Yuen
by bonnieja,
Mon Apr 12 22:25:59 1999
I was really rooting for your team. As a long distance athelete with asthma I've learned that finishing can be tougher than winning. Your attitude was great! Are you competing next year? I'd like to cheer your team on while the event is happening. Great job!
Yuen
by roub63,
Mon Apr 12 22:26:38 1999
that must have been hard beeing the only girl on the team did you feel like the men discriminated aginst you
Yuen
by asonj,
Mon Apr 12 22:41:40 1999
If I were to choose a participant in the echo challenge to compete with, that person would be you. Your obvious love, compassion, and drive will benefit many! If you're ever in need of a teammate, I'm your man! Congratulations! Prost! - Jason
Yuen
by debbiedamico,
Mon Apr 12 22:55:07 1999
Yuen: Your efforts are so inspiring. I wonder how can you tell the difference between really reaching you limits verus just wanted to give in to the pain and fear?

How can you tell yourself to continue against all odds?
Yuen
by v_eiseman,
Mon Apr 12 23:08:45 1999
WOW! This is the third year I’ve watched and I can't begin to imagine what physical and mental torture (yet all in all true triumph) you, your teammates, and fellow competitors have went through. I'm sure the four hours we, at home, have shared with you can't begin to scratch the surface in experiencing the raw courage and personal will to accomplish what all of you have done. Not just as an EcoChallenge competitor, but for your inner-selves and the spark of life that is the human spirit. Yuen-Li, you have shown us that we, all of us on this planet, are all one -- together in that spirit we can accomplish our goals and conquer our fears. I applaud Mark Burnett and the amazing staff of DCEC for keeping all of you safe and helping you to touch that core inside yourselves. Most importantly, the very best to you, your teammates and all the participants of Eco-Challenge, past, present and future.

--Van --Chicago, IL USA
Yuen
by engkiat,
Mon Apr 12 23:08:52 1999
Dear Yuen Li, You have truly made Malaysia proud. Your high spirit and endurance in really commendible. Keep up the good work. Malaysia Boleh!!!!!!
Yuen
by divaso,
Mon Apr 12 23:41:13 1999
When you spoke of your emotional accomplishments on top of the mountain and your teamates surrounded you for a group hug it was a moment that moved me to tears. I could feel your strength and teamwork and was overwhelmed by your spirits. You have proven you have accomplished more than just finishing this race...you represent what this race is all about...you make us all proud in the capacity of the human spirit to face the challenges presented to us. Well done!
Yuen
by brianh94,
Tue Apr 13 00:07:34 1999
WOW-- GREAT JOB. IT WAS PLEASURE TO WATCH YOU AND YOUR TEAM. YOUR ATTITUDE WAS 100% ALL THE TIME AND I ADMIRE THAT. ONCE AGAIN WAY TO GO!!!!
Yuen
by deo,
Tue Apr 13 00:08:12 1999
How much previous training did you have and in what areas?
Yuen
by marjomd,
Tue Apr 13 00:16:17 1999
I was moved by the spirit that infused in your team. You have shown wisdom in every word that you spoke. Thank you for sharing yourself.
Yuen
by salmatt210,
Tue Apr 13 00:21:34 1999
Your calm resolve and sense of "self" were inspiring. You touched my heart! Congratulations on a great race!
Yuen
by keanong,
Tue Apr 13 00:31:32 1999
I just watched "The Eco-Challenge" on discovery channel with tear in my eye when I watched u guys reached the peak. I am Malaysian, I really proud of you and your team. Winning is not everything, process is more important than outcome. You guys are the real winners to me! Malaysia Boleh!

kean , Tucson, Arizona
Yuen
by jjd128,
Tue Apr 13 00:33:07 1999
The one thing that bothers me is that among the competitors and the viewers (judging by the messages above) it appears there was a great deal of men vs. women attitudes in the race in Morocco. I think it is very important to recognize that it was your courage, spirit and will to succeed,not your gender, that allowed you to lead your team to completing the race in Morocco. Being of Mexican descent I was very bothered by the attitude of Team Mexico towards there female competitor. The race is tough enough without their narrow minded view of their teammate. It is no wonder they had to replace the original female member. Would this type of thinking not be decreased by allowing all the members of a team to be all men or all women? What was the most difficult part of the 98 race? Do you plan to participate in Argentina?

Congratulations and Best of Luck in the future!!!
Yuen
by boogie77,
Tue Apr 13 00:37:09 1999
I am excessively proud of what you and your teammates have done. Hang on, let me compose myself and try to put how i feel in words.Your strength and attitude are really amazing. This is one of the many reasons I am proud to be a malaysian--to see fellow countrypersons making it in their endevours. I must say that the most profound moment during the whole eco-challenge coverage was when you guys made it to the summit, hand in hand. Believe me, you were not the only ones who were driven to tears as you made it there. I share your pain and your pride. My constant admiration to you guys. By the way, this might out of topic, but when did you become an instructor in the OBS? Was it the one in Lumut? I am planning to go there again during one of my holidays. Well, syabas, 2020, you have made the whole of Malaysia extremely proud of ourselves. P.S.- to answer Naina's question, 2020 is the year the Prime minister envisioned Malaysia will reach her status as an industrial nation, and that has been one of the single most powerful driving force in our quest for success, in whatever fields!
Way to go!
by sftriman,
Tue Apr 13 00:38:32 1999
Yuen Li, I just finished watching part II of the Eco coverage, and WOW! I was so moved by your comment about the emotional journey of the race on top of the physical challenges of the course. I think your message will go a long way to convincing people to just give things (hiking, camping, triathlon, whatever!) a try, and not focus on the 'getting ahead' aspect of events. From a true middle-of-the-packer! Thanks to you and your awesome teammates for showing, really and truly, what team spirit is all about.
Yuen
by flywater,
Tue Apr 13 00:44:09 1999
Congratulations on your courageos finish at this years Eco Challenge! The picture of you and your teamates grasping hands as you crested the summitt was undoubtedly the most glorious image of the event. You have once again proven that teamwork not individual success is the essence of the Eco Challenge. Team 20/20 was an inspiration. Thank You.

Scott
Yuen
by bruce7344,
Tue Apr 13 00:46:28 1999
A belated CONGRATULATIONS on your finishing the ECO Challenge-Morocco. As retired U.S. Marine I thought I had been through hardships but just watching the ECO Challenge set me straight on that. I must commend you (and your team) for your attitude and perseverence through the race. Although I'm sure you must have had moments of doubt, controversy, and fear, the scene of yoor team conquering the mountain in Morocco was a fitting testament to the the team work with which you were all sucessfull in completing the race. I'm sure that each of you had to reach far into your inner selves to find that little bit of energy or to put that next foot forward on more than one occasion during your ordeal. From one who has been in similar situations, I know how hard that can be to do at the time and how rewarding it is when looking back. I only hope you had the pleasure of watching the show on television from a comfortable chair, surrounded by friends and supporters so that you could revell in the the fact that YOU ALL DID IT. Again..CONGRATULATIONS...you are tougher than the greater majority of people on the face of this great planet and probably more in touch with yourselves for having accomplished your goal. B Cook USMC (Ret.)
Yuen
by radiojct3,
Tue Apr 13 00:48:50 1999
Hi Yuen... I just finished watching the second day of the Eco Challenge, and I just wanted to say that, even though you didn't come in first, I think your team probably got more out of the experience than any of the others. Plus, you remained friends. You knew what the most important aspect of the race was. Congratulations. I enjoyed watching your team, and I hope you choose to participate in Padagonia.
Yuen
by wai,
Tue Apr 13 00:51:56 1999
Yuen-Li, your courage and team spirit are truly inspiring. Congrats on your accomplishments! You have made me proud to be a Chinese Malaysian. Wai, Oregon, USA
Yuen
by toothbataolcom,
Tue Apr 13 00:58:48 1999
There are not enough words to express the feelings your courage and spirit evoked. If only all of humanity could function with your perserverance and compassion! What a beautiful person you are Yuen. And your teammates deserve the same accolades.......gotta go.....watching it again!!

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