Hurdler Chan Sau-ying provided 'celebratory' distraction for travellers and security personnel at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport on her arrival for the Olympic Games yesterday (Hong Kong time). As soon as she stepped off her flight from Los Angeles, the US-based Chan, looking sleeker and fitter than she ever has, was immediately seized by a Hong Kong television crew for a lengthy interview in front of an intrigued crowd in the arrival marquee. Dressed in a skimpy denim skirt and looking more like a television starlet, Chan proved a pleasant curiosity piece for travellers and even airport security officers, who continually approached members of the Hong Kong press to inquire of the identity of their subject. She was even approached by a young fan for an autograph. But Chan was all business when it came to her Olympic mission as she talked about her preparations for the women's 100 metres hurdles and her delight at being chosen to carry the Hong Kong flag at tomorrow morning's (Hong Kong time) Opening Ceremony. 'I'm really happy and proud to be carrying the flag for Hong Kong,' she said. 'It's the last Olympics for Hong Kong under the British flag so it is an important occasion.' Chan, 25, was selected for her contributions to Hong Kong over the past few years, which included a bronze medal in the 1993 East Asian Games in Shanghai and a gold medal at last year's Pacific Ocean Games in Colombia. She aims to justify the honour afforded her by Hong Kong officials by breaking her own national record of 13.14 seconds for her speciality event. 'My training has gone well and I'm confident of doing well,' said Chan, who recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communications. However, even a record-breaking performance from Chan could be overshadowed by events 250 miles away in Savannah, the site of the Olympic yachting and windsurfing competitions. Chan starts her heats on the 29th, the same day as the prize-giving ceremony for the windsurfing. And the way things are going, there is a good chance that Hong Kong will be represented on the podium through women's sailboarder Lee Lai-shan. Lee is delighted with her buildup to the Olympics, having finished no worse than third in her three preparatory competitions. 'I've finished second or third in friendly events so there is a good chance of a medal for me,' said Lee. 'I've spent a lot of time in Savannah studying the conditions. The winds are medium to strong, which suits me fine.' Lee thrives on strong winds, which would give her the advantage over China's Li Ke, who edged the Hong Kong sailor for the gold medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. However, strong winds would make two-time world champion Maud Herbert, of France, the favourite for the gold as she is the undoubted queen of strong-wind sailing. Also posing a major threat to Lee's medal hope is defending Olympic champion Barbara Kendall of New Zealand.
