Schoolboy Yu Chi-lok is praying for light winds to carry his little craft to glory in the Optimist class in the sailing event in Pusan. Anything stronger than a breeze and Yu says his hopes of a medal will blow away.
That's the opinion the youngest member of Hong Kong's 326-strong Asian Games contingent headed for Pusan, who is hoping to finish among the medals in his event.
'I am much better in light conditions because I am light,' said the diminutive 13-year-old. 'I am aiming for a top-five place, but I am already happy to be competing in Pusan. This is definitely the biggest event ever for me.'
The Optimist class is being staged at the Games this year to accommodate sailors aged 15 and under and, if Yu hits top form in Pusan, there is no reason why he can't win a medal considering the small field of sailors in his class. If Yu exceeds expectations and triumphs, he would be the youngest-ever Hong Kong medallist at the Asian Games.
'I am lacking a bit in competition. But I think winning a recent competition in China has boosted my confidence,' said the Form Two Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School student.
Yu won the boys' amateur C grade Optimist title at the recent China National Optimist Sailing Championship in Shanwei and steered his team to second position overall in the team event.
