10,000 Days of chasing my dreams

10,000 Days of Chasing My Dreams is a cinematic sports short film following the journey of two-time Olympian and Team USA badminton player, Howard Shu.

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Message from Howard:

I want to share the challenges, triumphs, and relentless pursuit of my dreams. Because I know many of you out there are doing the same.

Just because you don’t see someone that looks like you, just because it hasn’t been done, just because others tell you it’s impossible. Is all the more reason to travel the road not taken. I believe this applies to all walks of life.

As an Asian American playing sports, never in a million years could I have imagined the experiences Badminton has given me. But the reality of it is, not all sports are created equal and we can only strive to push our sport above and beyond. Aware of this reality and yearning for more, I pursued a career in management consulting. I truly believe that the choice between passion and profession is not a binary decision. I am most proud of trailblazing a new path that allowed me to embrace both. There will always be an inevitable sacrifice to find the balance but I promise, it is worth it.

Embrace the beauty in the struggle. Know that life is not always a straight line. And remember to lead with grace.

I share my journey in hopes to inspire those of you who might be facing similar crossroads or challenges in life. My story is a testament that courage, ambition, and resilience pave the way to your dreams. To every single one of you that has been a part of my journey of life. This is for you ✌️

Series of photos showing athletes with backpacks in different locations, including a subway train, Paris Eiffel Tower at night with Olympic rings, and inside a subway train.
Images of a badminton match, media personnel covering news, and cheering spectators at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A badminton match being played in an indoor arena, with players on court, an audience in the stands, and officials around the playing area.
A man walking away carrying a blue YONEX sports bag and a black bag on a city street, with a view of downtown skyscrapers in the background, and a chain-link fence with another person in front of it.
Three men engaging in different workout activities: one doing hurdles outdoors, one lifting weights in a gym, and one using a punching bag or similar equipment indoors.
Three frames showing a young man playing badminton in a gym with American flags hanging on the walls.
A person running on a deserted road in a desert landscape with mountains in the background, during sunset; the runner wears a blue USA tank top; an aerial view of a straight, empty road through a sparse, arid landscape with mountains in the distance.
Three panels: First shows an empty indoor badminton court with a person walking across. Second shows a man in a suit lying on a bed of white shuttlecocks with his eyes closed, holding a badminton racket. Third shows a person walking across a street w