Achievements Sprinter Tang Yik-chun, 21, was named Hong Kong Amateur Athletics Association's Best Athlete in 2006 and 2007. He is a 100- and 200-metre specialist.

Tang caught the public eye after winning bronze at the 10th National Games in Nanjing and gold at the first Asian Indoor Games in Thailand in 2005.

Tang has also won many local titles in the 100 and 200m. He has been undergoing full-time training in the United States since April last year.

Soundbite 'I had no special interest in running when I was small. I found it quite interesting but never actually thought about being a sprinter.

'When I was about 17, I realised that I could run a little faster than others, so I joined a training club. I met my coach, Ko Chi-hang, there.

'He invited me to receive formal training and I began to fall in love with the sport. I enjoy running. I really like attending international competitions.

'My most memorable competition was the 10th National Games in Nanjing.

'It was the first time I had represented Hong Kong at an international competition. I was surprised by my good result.

'I'm being coached at the US Olympic Training Centre at the moment. People have high expectations of me and I can feel the pressure. I'm confident because I have the support of my family, coach and friends.'

From his coach 'When I first met Tang, I could see straight away that he was talented,' said Ko Chi-hang.

'He only took 37 seconds to finish the 300m, a respectable time for an athlete who has been training for two to three years. His speed and strength drew my attention.

|'He is now training in San Diego and his progress is impressive. His skill, strength and body shape have all improved.'

Ambitions 'I hope to further improve my skills and reduce my record time. My target is to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.'