Many people think that track and field is a sport for individuals or even a lonely sport but I believe it is a team sport. More than a decade ago, I came across track sports, mainly 100-metre and 200-metre sprints, in secondary school. After joining the Force, I could hardly spare time between duty shifts for sprint practice and had to put the interest aside.

It was not until I met an athlete at work a few years ago that I decided to return to the sports ground. Training at least twice a week was not an easy task for me as I was no longer a teen with everlasting energy. Although I was worried whether I could manage, I dragged my exhausted body to the sports ground after working on "A shift", took a leave on "B shift" for training, and practised running with a few hours' sleep after "C shift", then went working again. Both my body and soul were drained after repeating the pattern for days and years. Coupled with new and old injuries, I was pushed to the brink of giving up a second time.

Spectators may only see about ten-odd seconds of the race, the disappointment of the defeated and the joy of winners. How many of them actually understand the pain and passion of the athletes?

Luckily, I met an excellent coach and a few supportive training buddies in the Police Athletics Club. They shared tips on how to cope with training while working on shifts, thus achieving a balance among work, family and training. I acquired proper knowledge of track and field, and learnt to recover from injuries with an optimistic and positive attitude, which made me feel deeply that we were a team. Whenever I thought I could no longer hold on, I was motivated by mutual support, encouragement and assistance, and got every training session completed.

That said, times of disappointment and dejection are inevitable in racing. No matter how well prepared we are physically and mentally, and how much we practise and rest, we may fail to show our full capacity. I am thankful for the encouragement and guidance of my coach and teammates, who discussed with me my inadequacies and enabled me to regain strength and go forward again.

Like a rainbow after rain, my efforts paid off in competitions. Not only had I recorded my seasonal best a few times, I also captured the gold medals for the 100-metre and 200-metre races in the Police Athletics Championship as well as the Corporate Games. Endurance and perseverance are essential to the success, which I know is not my personal achievement. I have never been alone on the track – backing me always are my coach and teammates, a team of which I am proud of.

Police Constable Lee Tsz-kin
Task Force Sub-Unit, Wanchai Division