Christy Yiu quits nursing job to pursue Olympic dream in Rio
Runner decides to concentrate on full-time training after smashing her own course record in the Chung Hing Cup
Hong Kong runner Christy Yiu Kit-ching is targeting a place in the Rio Olympics marathon after deciding to quit her job to devote herself to training.
The 26-year-old nurse, who won the Hong Kong Half-Marathon Championships in January, smashed her own course record in the 14th Chung Hing Cup (10km) in Tsuen Wan on Sunday.
And Anthony Giorgi, head athletics coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, said there was no doubt she could go on to a much higher level.
I've been following the programme of consultant coach Shinetsu Murao and have almost doubled the volume and intensity of my training
"I very much need the prize money as I've decided to quit my job in November and work only part-time so that I can devote more time to training," Yiu said after taking home a HK$5,000 bonus for winning in 37 minutes 23 seconds, breaking the record she set last year (38:04).
"I've been following the programme of consultant coach Shinetsu Murao and have almost doubled the volume and intensity of my training.
"Fitting in time for training while working has meant I've also had to battle injuries, so I've decided to quit my job and concentrate more on effective training, as my long term goal is to qualify for the Olympic marathon."
Giorgi, who watched the race with Murao, said: "Christy has a very good work ethic and she is fiercely competitive. She's not afraid to challenge for the lead and she knows how to win. If she continues to train effectively she should be able to achieve a much higher standard."
Yiu said Murao had arranged for her to run in two races in Japan later this year, and should she perform well he would target a marathon in the new year.
