Congratulations and applause have poured in from Hong Kong’s leader and residents after city athletes Cheung Ka-long and Siobhan Haughey bagged gold and bronze medals at the Paris Olympics.
Cheung – who first struck gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the only Hongkonger to do so – made history again by winning the city’s second fencing gold medal on Monday night.
“We have proved that even if Hong Kong is a very small place, we can still do many different things,” he said. “Believe in yourself and not give up just because you are in a small place.”
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Épéeist Vivian Kong Man-wai won Hong Kong’s first gold of this year’s games on Sunday.
Swimmer Haughey’s bronze in the 200m freestyle took her tally of Olympic medals to three, the most achieved by any other Hongkonger.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is currently on a business trip in Laos, sent congratulations to Cheung and his coach and described the athlete’s achievements as “a source of pride for the people of Hong Kong”.
“Cheung Ka-long demonstrated his excellence, persevered and gave full play to his skills in the competitions,” he said.
He also praised Haughey and her coach, saying the city was proud of her performance.
“Siobhan demonstrated superb skills and performed at her best in the competition,” Lee said.
“She showcased her power and strength as an elite athlete and achieved an outstanding result again by capturing a bronze medal, after winning two silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and non-official members of the Executive Council also sent congratulatory messages.
“Cheung Ka-long stayed calm and determined during the match and displayed outstanding skill and perseverance,” Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said.
Ip also praised Haughey, saying she had stood out among the finalists in the race.
Many Hongkongers watched the fencing and swimming competitions overnight with excitement, with some catching them via live-streaming events at shopping centres.
Hundreds flocked to the APM shopping centre in Kwun Tong.
Cheers filled the mall when Cheung made his decisive and winning hit, with Yao chun-yun, 50, saying every Hongkonger should learn from the fencer.
“I am so happy to see Cheung win the gold medal,” he said. “I was on an emotional roller coaster in the final minutes”.
When Haughey won her race, fans cheered and chanted her name.
Chen Jinxi, 18, who came from Ma On Shan to the shopping centre to watch Haughey, said he was “satisfied” with the swimmer’s performance.
“I think her efforts and hard work paid off in the final, she even shortly took the lead in the final, what more can you ask for?” he said. “But of course, I hope athletes can win more gold medals for Hong Kong.”
Student Marc Lee, 17, who lives on Hong Kong Island but travelled to APM shopping centre to watch Cheung’s match, said: “I was very nervous, but I believed he would win.”
The parents of Haughey and Cheung were in Paris watching their children compete. Cheung said in interviews that he had hoped to win for his father.
“I’m very happy that my dad came to see me and I could give him a birthday present – his birthday is in July,” Cheung said after his victory. “I’ve just tried looking for my parents but can’t see them [in the crowd].”
Haughey said it was “very special” to become the first Hongkonger to win three Olympic medals.
Haughey told the Post she had not set out counting the number of medals she would win, but simply aimed to do her best.
“We’re doing really well at these games and this is just the beginning, as we have a long Olympics journey and I’m sure other Hong Kong athletes will do well too,” she said.
“A lot of us are in the finals or are among the top four fighting for medals. I hope we keep the momentum going.”
More from South China Morning Post:
- Hong Kong’s Southorn Playground, haven for sports and socialising amid the urban jungle
- Paris Olympics: who is Cheung Ka-long? Stunning rise of Hong Kong’s double gold medallist
- Hong Kong retailers hope to strike Olympic gold as Paris sports extravaganza boosts business
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