HK duo Lee and Mak on their way to Beijing after Canada success
Hong Kong triathletes Daniel Lee Chi-wo and Tania Mak So-ning will compete in the Beijing Olympics after scoring points at the BG world championships in Vancouver.
Lee and Mak's efforts confirmed their participation through the New Flag category, which provides one additional male and female place for athletes who had not otherwise qualified for Beijing from each of the five continents.
Mak braved heavy rain, cold winds and a water temperature of just 11 degrees Celsius to finish a creditable 18th in the under-23 event in a time of two hours 18 minutes and 30 seconds.
Mak scored about 20 points, but more important was the fact that her main rival for the Asian New Flag prize, Yekaterina Shatnaya of Kazakhstan, did not compete.
'I couldn't be happier,' said an exhausted Mak after the race. 'To score points in a world championship is a fantastic feeling, especially as the weather conditions were extremely tough, and nothing like those I'm used to racing in.'
Lee also scored points after finishing in 1:55:32. With none of his nearest New Flag challengers finishing significantly ahead of him, Lee's lock on his second Olympics berth was secured.
Games on
The finishing position of Tania Mak in Vancouver, which was enough to get her a place in Beijing: 18
