Probationary Inspector sets running record

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Woman Probationary Inspector Ms Joana Cheung Leung-yuk, who is also a triathlete, has shattered the Women's 2.4-kilometer run record at the Police Training School (PTS) by finishing the run at 8 minutes and 55 seconds, beating many of her colleagues, including male officers in the Force.

The previous record of 9 minutes and 6 seconds was set by Woman Police Constable Ms Cheng Wing-sze in 1997.

Joana told OffBeat: "I felt very happy and surprised after breaking the record. I must really thank my instructors for their guidance. They set the target for me, support me and encourage me to test my limits."

Joana was among the seven Probationary Inspectors (PI) and 133 Recruit Police Constables (RPC) who passed out from PTS on October 11.

Like other new recruits, Joana has to fulfil vigorous physical training tests, including Motor Fitness Tests, a 2.4 km run and Professional Physical Ability Tests, which evaluate officers on the actual occupational demands of Police work. The aim of the tests is to further develop the PI and RPC so that they become fitter, faster and stronger.

Joana, now 25, has won many prizes in triathlon events since her secondary school days. In the "Action Asia Challenge"held earlier this month, she won the first prize in the Women's Category with two other Force members. She was also the woman champion of the 2001 Hong Kong International Triathlon Competition (Sprint Distance) and the 2002 Hong Kong International Biathlon Competition.

Though she has a triathlon background, she didn't seem to have an initial edge over others and had to face considerable physical challenges during her nine-month training at PTS.

Senior Physical Training Instructor Mr Mark Sharp said Joana could only finish the run at 11 minutes and 50 seconds after the first two weeks of training.

"When I told her that before she passed out, she had to get under 9 minutes. She took that challenging job. She is very determined and has achieved her goal.

"If you look at the improvements from 11 minutes and 50 seconds to 8 minutes and 55 seconds, it's a huge difference! I would say that the main factor is her positive attitude. She is the only woman in the squad. She wants to prove herself to be just as capable as male colleagues. She's never asked for excuses or anything. She works very hard. She is very determined. With these kinds of attributes, she can only succeed."

When asked why she is so fond of running, Joana said: "Running can temper my willpower. For example, if I run 10 kilometers, I really feel hard after running for seven kilometers or so. I set a target for myself and practise at night. I told myself that I should improve my performance step by step. I really enjoy the feeling after overcoming the challenge.

"Just like working. You may come across some setbacks but you can overcome the hurdles if you don't give up."

She said: "I join the Force because the job is challenging and meaningful. As a police officer, I can come into contact with people from different walks of life and help them."

After passing out, Joana starts work in Kowloon City Division. She said she would try her best to adapt to her new working environment as soon as possible and apply her "never give up" spirit in her work.

Police recruitment continues