Hong Kong made history at the Tokyo Olympics. A year delayed, over US$20 billion spent — nearly triple the original budget, taking place under the constant threat of cancellations in the midst of a fourth COVID-19 emergency in Tokyo, hot and muggy weather, eerily quiet stadiums – it’s an Olympic like none other in modern history. Yet, Hong Kong’s ‘insane’ run at the Games (as described by gold medalist Edgar Cheung Ka-long), has been nothing short of spectacular.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Hong Kong medalists who made us proud at the 2020 Olympic Games:
26 July 2021.
The city’s first Olympic gold in 25 years obviously sent the home crowds into rapture. Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long, the world No 19, accomplished the unbelievable feat. He beat the reigning gold medalist of the 2016 Rio Olympics — 28-year-old Daniele Garozzo from Italy by 15–11. And before this historic golden moment, he shook the world by defeating current World No 1 foil fencer – Alessio Foconi from Italy – in the table of 16 match.
“The reaction in Hong Kong has been insane” – Cheung, in a post-match interview to the local press.
No better way to describe the frenzy which enveloped the city after Cheung’s historic breakthrough and strong attack against the Italian gold medalist. The match did get close in the final rounds but not even for a moment did Cheung allow the title to slip away. His victory not only marks the first gold for the HKSAR in 25 years, after windsurfer Lee Lai-shan’s 1996 success, but also the fourth medal for the city in the history of Olympics.
The HK government is rewarding Cheung with five million Hong Kong dollars for the sporting glory.
Like with any sports megastar, the journey to the top was a result of years of dedication, focus and hard work. His awe-inspiring journey started in fencing schools and trainings at the age of 10 – he showed incredible promise right from the beginning accumulating sporting accolades instead of Marvel collectibles like the other children his age. He was named the “Most Promising Young Athlete” for Hong Kong at the Samsung Hong Kong Sports Star Awards Ceremony in 2013, “Outstanding Junior Athlete” by the Hong Kong Sports Institute in 2014 and ultimately exploded on the fencing scene with the Asian champion crown in 2016 at the Wuxi Asian Fencing Championships at just 18-years-old – the first Hong Konger to earn that coveted spot.
28 July 2021/30 July 2021.
“I hope Cheung Ka-long’s and my performances this Olympics can push fellow Hong Kong athletes competing… And also the athletes watching at home in Hong Kong – keep training, because it will be your turn soon” – Haughey in a post-match interview to the local press.
A mermaid of sorts, Siobhan began her swim training at the age of 4 at the South China Athletic Association. Early on, her coaches recognized her natural talent and that she was “gifted in swimming” and convinced her to keep up with the training. After making waves at the local and international swimming events, Haughey fell passionately in love with the sport.
A regular day for the Olympic sensation would start with waking up at 3am for studies, 5am for swim practice, followed by a full day at school and then piano practice after – repeat that for six days a week. The grind ensured she achieved the highest level in piano, got excellent grades in school, cruised through a University of Michigan Psychology under-grad and smashed through several swimming accolades – 63 local and 13 Asian records, to be precise.
Haughey’s coach has complete faith that the “little fish” (lovingly called by teammates), can go faster and faster. The best is yet to come, perhaps a gold in the future?
“The last moment, I could not figure out what had happened. I never thought I could win and beat the two Germans. I lost to them by big margins before and never won. I just wanted to play point by point, and be very committed in the matches and enjoy it. Unbelievable!” – Soo in a post-match interview to the local press.
