I am Alvina Chen - a former professional athlete turned innovator and entrepreneur.  My love affair for track running began when I was 12. Sprinting down the track and feeling the adrenaline rush, I knew instantly that it was my calling. Soon, I was competing worldwide, living the athlete’s dream.

In 2020, life threw me an unexpected curveball. I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune disease. This sudden twist halted my career and shattered my dreams. For three years, even simple things like speaking and getting out of bed, were a struggle as I suffered from muscle weakness in my whole body.  The transition from the thrill of running to the discomfort of undergoing surgeries was a significant turning point in my life. 

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Yet, within this adversity, I found resilience, fearlessness, and the courage to dream bigger and bolder. It was also fuel to my imagination and creativity, pushing me to find a new path to pursue my passion for track.  I’m truly grateful for the amazing community of athletes and coaches who were by my side and who continued to support and inspire me to find a new purpose.

As I was coming to terms with my condition, the idea of reinventing the running track emerged. It struck me that despite vast technological strides in footwear, apparel, and training methods that enabled athletes to run faster, the modern synthetic running track has remained largely unchanged since the 1968 Summer Olympics. This realisation sparked a new dream: could we redefine athletics by reinventing the running track? 

And so Feldspar was born to disrupt the sports industry, transform athletics  and to leave a groundbreaking legacy for the athletic community. Breaking free from traditions, we are building the world’s first sensor-enabled, integrated performance running track to bring athletics to new heights. By digitising the track, we unlock new avenues for athlete development and elevate live events to new heights, merging technology, sports and entertainment. 

Though I can no longer compete professionally, building Feldspar is even more electrifying than sprinting through the finish line. With determination, resilience, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, my team and I empower the next generation of athletes to reach their fullest potential.  

My journey from track to tech is far from over. At heart, I will always be a racer, obsessed with how I can go beyond the impossible. I will work tirelessly to turn Feldspar’s incredible vision into reality, setting a new standard for athlete performance and fan engagement on the world stage.