JPC Member of Eastern District
MAN Tsz-ching

As the fireworks light up the night sky at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony, not only it marks the end of the Olympics, it also reminds me of this one special Olympic event, which will always be embedded in my head.

I never considered myself “athletic” nor found myself interested in sports. Hong Kong, being one of the “small cities” amongst the other countries joining the Olympics, was not expected to receive numerous medals nor topping the charts. Until this happened… From a small fencing athlete to being the Asian Champion and finally Olympic Champion, Hong Kongers witnessed every part of his journey. Footages from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Men’s foil individual finals are surely watched by most Hong Kong people. July 26, 2021, 08:10 PM Hong Kong Time, all eyes were on him. Screens in the shopping mall, televisions and telephones were all playing the live stream.

Those who were working stopped, those who were training paused, and those who were eating halted. During the broadcast, my teammates and I were in the swimming pool training, we all turned on our phones and insisted on watching the live stream. Our hand was sweating and our heart was pounding quickly as if it was about to leave my chest, we crossed our fingers and prayed for all the best for our Hong Kong Team player. “So close!”, “Almost there!”, “Yes!”, “Oh no….”, the atmosphere became tense and we could hear each other's rapid heartbeat. 15 to 11, yes, 15 to 11, Hong Kong 15. Yes, Hong Kong, we did it. Deafening cheers were heard from all sides of the swimming pool, from the spectators’ deck to inside the pool.

We are impressed by his success and amazed by the results, Gold for Hong Kong, after 25 years, Gold for Hong Kong SAR. As we celebrate the victory, we realize that even those who we may not know, have gathered around us to witness this historical moment with us, together. Fencing Men’s Foil Individual Finals, the most unforgettable Olympic Event. Not only because of the medal, but because of this Olympic event, it brought us closer, friends or not, we only had one thing in mind, and that is praying our Hong Kong athlete will win our teams’ second-ever gold medal.

Oh, if you hadn’t already known, he is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Fencing Men’s Foil Individual Champion, Cheung Ka Long from Hong Kong, China.

 

 

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