Sports: Fencing

Achievements: Howie, 13, a Hong Kong team member, specialises in the foil category. He clinched the boys' under-14 foil title at the 2005 Junior Fencing Championships and was the overall champion at the 2005-2006 All-Hong Kong Inter-Area/Primary School Competitions.

In 2006, he came first in the Age Group Fencing Championships (u-14, boys' foil) and was third in the FOS U-14 Fencing Championships.

He took second place at the 2007 Bank of China (HK) 50th Festival of Sport Under-14 Fencing Championships (foil category) and was champion at the National Children's Fencing Competition held in Fuzhou this summer.

Soundbite: 'I took up fencing in Primary Four because it looks cool,' Howie said.

'At the beginning, fencing was just a hobby but I began to like it and started practising seriously.

'Fencing is great fun, and with the good results I have achieved in competitions, I'm confident about becoming a very good fencer. Fencing requires power as well as tactics and it has helped boost my self-esteem.

'My most memorable event was the National Children's Fencing Competition held in Fuzhou. Since I will be 14 soon, it was the last time I could participate in the children's category. So I'm happy to have won a gold medal.'

From his coach: 'His standard is at the top level among players of similar age. He has good skills and a strong mentality which help during competitions,' said Wong Tsan. 'However, he is still young and may not be able to cope with pressure. He has the potential to be a great fencer.'

Ambitions: 'I will be taking part in under-17 competitions. I want to do well so that I can continue to represent Hong Kong at overseas events,' Howie said.

'I will try my best, but personal glory is not the most important thing for me.'