After completing his studies in the United States, Song Chin Foh returned to China with a professional model of physical education shaped by missionary schooling, Colby, Springfield College, and YMCA networks. His later career moved across schools, universities, public stadiums, Olympic delegations, and national sports institutions. This section follows how his training became institutional work: first in schools and universities, then in Olympic preparation, and later in the sports education system after 1949.
Return to Homeland, 1923 to 1977
This story map follows Song Chin Foh after his return to China, moving from missionary school and university positions to Olympic work, wartime displacement, and post-1949 sports institutions.
Hangzhou: Return to Wayland Academy
After finishing at Springfield, Song returned to China and first went back to Wayland Academy.
Shanghai: Hujiang University
Song then moved into university physical education.
Shenyang: Northeastern University
At Northeastern University, Song became linked to a politically charged athletic environment.
Qingdao: Shandong University and the First Stadium
In Qingdao, Song’s work expanded from teaching into infrastructure and training. He was associated with National Qingdao University or Shandong University, Olympic preparation, and the building of Qingdao First Stadium.
Los Angeles: Olympics
Song traveled with Liu Changchun and the Chinese delegation to the Los Angeles Olympics as coach and interpreter.
Berlin: Olympics
By 1936, Song’s role had widened into delegation leadership and team organization.
Chengdu: Sichuan University
Wartime displacement pushed Song westward.
London: Olympics
At the London Olympics, Song’s work shifted toward basketball coaching and broader national team organization.
Beijing: BNU and the Central Institute of Physical Education
After 1949, Song continued his work in Beijing through university teaching, basketball coaching, referee committees, and sports administration.