Hong Kong gymnast Shek Wai-hung puts off surgery to realise Rio Olympic dream
2014 Asian Games champion in the men's vault says having surgery now will end his chances of competing at 2016 Games
Hong Kong gymnast Shek Wai-hung will have to compete through the pain barrier as he bids to compete in his second Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next year.
The 2014 Asian Games champion in the men's vault suffered from a painful right shoulder problem this year, but it was not until recently that the extent of the injury was revealed through an MRI scan that showed serious ligament damage, requiring surgery.
"The Olympic qualification is closing in and having surgery at this stage will probably mean an end of my Rio Games hopes," said Shek at yesterday's annual Samsung Sports Stars Awards press conference.
"I have already made it to the Olympic Test Event in Rio, where the top 24 gymnasts in the men's all-around will qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.
I don't think I can afford to miss this opportunity and will consider only an operation after the Rio Games
"I don't think I can afford tomiss this opportunity and will consider only an operation after the Rio Games.
"It will probably affect my performance during this period, but there is too much at stake for realising my Olympic dream again."
Shek, 24, was the first Hong Kong gymnast to qualify for the Olympic Games in London three years ago, but his maiden appearance was a forgetful one as he finished last after slipping and landing on his backside.
"That was a nightmare, but it is now all history," he said.
With most of the top gymnasts having already made it to the Rio Olympics through their team rankings, Shek said he would not expect any big difficulties in reaching his goal at the test event in April.
The awards presentation will be held in late March next year and it will be a timely gift before my departure for the test event
He finished a remarkable 29th place at the recent World Championships and would be a front runner at the test event after taking out those who have already qualified.
Shek, meanwhile, said winning the Sports Stars Awards of the year would boost his confidence for the test event.
"The awards presentation will be held in late March next year and it will be a timely gift before my departure for the test event," he said.
Eight sports stars will be selected in recognition of their achievements for the year, with the one gaining the most number of ballots named "Best of the Best" Star.
Shek said billiardsplayer Ng On-yee, who was crowned the world women's snooker champion and the six-red world champion this year and star cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze were favourites.
