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athlete of the week

Rebecca Tsui

Name Cyrus Chang Chi-hin School Helen Liang Memorial Secondary School (Sha Tin) Grade Form Six Sport Fencing

Achievements Cyrus, 16, is a Hong Kong junior fencing team member. He clinched the boys' cadet sabre silver medal at the Asian youth championships in Singapore in July.

Earlier this year, he won the Boy's Grade A sabre championship at the Inter-schools Fencing Competition. He also helped his school come second overall.

Soundbite 'The enjoyment I get from fencing is greater than from other sports. I started doing it because it was new to me, which was cool and special. I still find it challenging and fulfilling.

'When I was in primary school, my cousin who studied overseas, told me a lot about fencing and got me interested.

'However, not many secondary schools were offering fencing as an extra-curricular activity. I chose to study at my school because it has a fencing team.

'I fell in love with fencing when I started learning it in Form One. I haven't stopped training since. Normally I train six days a week. Sometimes I feel tired, but I never feel bored.

'I was really happy to win a medal in the Asian youth championships. The silver medal was far beyond my expectations. It was the first time I had taken part in such a high standard competition. My only aim was to gain experience so I didn't feel any pressure while playing. That might be how I won a medal.'

From his coach 'Cyrus is a smart player. He is young and has much room for improvement. After he gains experience through taking part in international competitions, he will achieve much more,' said Wang Ruiji.

Ambitions 'I'm now gearing up for next year's junior and cadet world championships. I'm looking forward to competing against junior fencers from around the world and hope I can win another medal for Hong Kong.'

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