https://www.scmp.com/rss/518887/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Coco Lin Yik-hei has targeted a redemptive Los Angeles Olympics campaign after reconnecting with her own “character” on the piste. The epeeist planned to quit after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but a first-round exit left her with “some regrets and wanting to do more”. The 29-year-old missed Paris 2024 qualification and was in the TVB commentary booth when teammate and friend Vivian Kong Man-wai claimed a thrilling epee gold. Lin, who will compete in this weekend’s Hong Kong Open, said there was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3287454/fencer-lin-aiming-la-olympics-redemption-hong-kong-seeks-vivian-kong-successor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3287454/fencer-lin-aiming-la-olympics-redemption-hong-kong-seeks-vivian-kong-successor?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:00:37 +0000 The man who turned Cheung Ka-long into the city’s only two-time Olympic champion says he sometimes played the role of a father figure and that their personal relationship has been key to the Hongkonger’s success. Greg Koenig, who has coached Hong Kong’s foil team since 2018, and in that time Cheung has become a two-time Olympic gold medallist, with victories in Tokyo and Paris. This summer, the 27-year-old became just the third man in the history of the Games to successfully defend his foil... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3279285/cheung-ka-longs-coach-says-their-father-son-relationship-key-double-olympic-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3279285/cheung-ka-longs-coach-says-their-father-son-relationship-key-double-olympic-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:30:07 +0000 Fencer Cheung Ka-long will target a third straight Olympic gold medal after committing himself to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Greg Koenig, who has been Hong Kong’s foil head coach since 2018, said his task was to motivate Cheung over the next four years to emulate Hungarian Aron Szilagyi, who was a three-time Olympic champion in the sabre from London to Tokyo. However, Koenig himself also had another, “more important” goal. “That would be to qualify the team, as we did in Tokyo,” he said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3278243/cheung-ka-long-aims-olympic-gold-again-los-angeles-2028-world-title-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3278243/cheung-ka-long-aims-olympic-gold-again-los-angeles-2028-world-title-first?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:30:16 +0000 With special ceremonies and official launches for team kits, Olympic athletes take their look seriously. And even more so in 2024 with the Games taking place in one of the fashion capitals of the world. From striking team uniforms to dazzling personal style, there were plenty of fashion statements throughout the Summer Olympics. And here are some of our favourites. Best team uniform Just go ahead and give them them the🥇now for best uniform! 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/6sOfMdt8Uo — Michael Johnson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:12 +0000 An Olympic gold holds the weight of, well an Olympic gold, but adding a touch of flair and suspense to them does no harm. In a city revered for its arts and theatre, plenty of athletes created masterpieces of their own on the canvas of an Olympic arena. Whether they caused you to squint or shout at your screens, here are five of those edge-of-your-seat finishes that turned Olympic dreams to reality in the most dramatic fashion. Pandemonium on the piste How do you top a fencing final decided by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:20 +0000 You can measure your life in Olympic cycles, or more specifically an Olympic event that entrances you every four years. The men’s 100 metres sprint, crowning the world’s fastest human, has that allure. While few readers will recall Jesse Owens winning in 1936 in real time, some will have caught Jim Hines (1968), and the likes of Carl Lewis (1984, 1988), Linford Christie (1992) and Usain Bolt (2008, 2012, 2016) remain vivid for many. Overnight, the race to join that list lived up to its billing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273179/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-lyles-pan-speed-gold-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273179/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-lyles-pan-speed-gold-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:35:52 +0000 The seeds of Hong Kong’s historic success in fencing at the Paris Olympics were sowed decades ago through strategic planning and substantial investment in nurturing talent, experts said. Gold medallist and épéeist Vivian Kong Man-wai said on Sunday that she planned to “take a break” from being a professional fencer after nearly 20 years in the sport, but veteran athletes predicted more stars would emerge as the city entered its “harvest period” and hoped authorities could build more facilities... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3273003/hong-kongs-vivian-kong-hangs-her-sword-experts-say-fresh-fencing-stars-can-emerge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3273003/hong-kongs-vivian-kong-hangs-her-sword-experts-say-fresh-fencing-stars-can-emerge?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 07:00:12 +0000 Gold medal-winning Hong Kong épéeist Vivian Kong Man-wai is taking a break from professional fencing after the Paris Games to focus on a new career, with fans and officials wishing her well for the next chapter. The city’s No 2 official, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, said it was a pity to see Kong step away from the sport but he hoped she would take up coaching to pass on her experience and provide guidance to local fencing talent. The 30-year-old fencing queen announced her decision on Instagram and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3273120/hong-kong-olympic-champion-vivian-kong-taking-break-fencing-wants-give-back-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3273120/hong-kong-olympic-champion-vivian-kong-taking-break-fencing-wants-give-back-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 02:30:52 +0000 This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Download our app to get faster notifications and 14 days of unlimited access. Gold medal-winning Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka-long, who made history this week by becoming the first man in 68 years to defend his Olympic foil title, received a rousing reception from fans after returning home from Paris on Friday morning. The 27-year-old – who won Hong Kong’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3272850/olympic-champion-cheung-ka-long-returning-hong-kong-after-setting-gold-standard?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3272850/olympic-champion-cheung-ka-long-returning-hong-kong-after-setting-gold-standard?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 22:42:48 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai said she would weigh up her fencing future after she returns to Hong Kong from her extraordinary Paris Olympics exploits. Épéeist Kong’s remarkable surge to gold last weekend prompted an outpouring of jubilation in her home city. The 30-year-old acknowledged she hadn’t grasped the depth of reaction from around 9,500 kilometres away in the French capital, but underlined her gratitude for Hongkongers’ fervent support. Asked if she had a message for those who were glued to her... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272607/paris-olympics-hongkonger-vivian-kong-take-break-deciding-games-gold-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272607/paris-olympics-hongkonger-vivian-kong-take-break-deciding-games-gold-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:30:11 +0000 Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed she competed at the Paris Olympics, reaching the last 16 in her event and defeating a higher-ranked rival on the way, while seven months pregnant. Hafez, a three-time Olympian from Cairo, ranked 26th, beat American fencer Elizabeth Tartakovsky in the sabre event before succumbing to Jeon Ha-young of South Korea in the quarter-finals on Monday. “Three times ‘Olympian’ but this time carrying a little Olympian!” the 26-year-old said on Instagram late... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3272530/little-olympian-egyptian-fencer-nada-hafez-says-she-competed-paris-while-pregnant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3272530/little-olympian-egyptian-fencer-nada-hafez-says-she-competed-paris-while-pregnant?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:01:10 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai has told her closest friends to “keep me in check” if they suspect Hong Kong’s newest Olympic star is getting too big for her boots. The chances of Paris épée gold medallist Kong – widely regarded as among the most grounded people you will encounter – developing an inflated ego are next to zero. The 30-year-old vowed to sink a generous portion of her HK$6 million (US$768,000) bounty from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) into launching a charity. The rest of the cash, which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272513/paris-olympics-vivian-kong-wants-closest-friends-stop-her-getting-too-big-her-boots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272513/paris-olympics-vivian-kong-wants-closest-friends-stop-her-getting-too-big-her-boots?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:00:16 +0000 Cheung Ka-long’s victory over Italy’s Filippo Macchi in the fencing gold medal bout has led to a bitter fallout that has now spilled out into all-out war on Instagram. The Hongkonger’s controversial win was met with a backlash in Italy as Macchi’s coach labelled his pupil the “moral winner” and the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) lodged a formal complaint. But now things have sunk really low as fans of the two sides have taken to trading insults against one another under Cheung’s posts on his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272439/pineapple-belongs-pizza-italy-v-hong-kong-instagram-war-after-cheungs-gold-medal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272439/pineapple-belongs-pizza-italy-v-hong-kong-instagram-war-after-cheungs-gold-medal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:15 +0000 Mainland social media users praised Hong Kong’s “fencing king and queen” Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai after their gold medal triumphs at the Paris Olympics. Reigning champion Cheung clinched gold in men’s foil fencing for the second consecutive Games, following a nail-biting showdown that ended in a dramatic 14-14 tie with Italy’s Filipo Macchi. The 27-year-old made history as the first defending champion in 68 years in this Olympic event, while securing Hong Kong its second gold medal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272431/vivian-kong-cheung-ka-longs-hong-kong-spirit-praised-mainland-social-media-users?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272431/vivian-kong-cheung-ka-longs-hong-kong-spirit-praised-mainland-social-media-users?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:15:10 +0000 Gold wasn’t the only bling that stood out for Cheung Ka-long during his Olympic triumph in the early hours of Tuesday, with eagle-eyed social media users also highlighting his flashy jewellery. Images and screenshots of the 27-year-old in action showed him wearing two bracelets and two rings from luxury brands during his dramatic victory over Italy’s Filippo Macchi. “I had no idea Cheung Ka-long was a Kong girl nvm I love him more now,” one meme creator joked on Instagram, attracting almost... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272418/kong-girl-cheungs-gold-not-his-only-bling-which-caught-eye-during-olympic-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272418/kong-girl-cheungs-gold-not-his-only-bling-which-caught-eye-during-olympic-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:10:09 +0000 Italy’s national Olympic Committee (Coni) has lodged a formal complaint following Cheung Ka-long’s gold medal match victory over Filippo Macchi, as the Italian’s coach labelled him the “moral winner” in a controversial bout. Hong Kong foilist Cheung beat Macchi 15-14 but, with the scores level at 14-14, both men thought they had secured the victory only for a video review to overrule the referee. Eventually Cheung secured the win, having trailed 14-12 at one point, but the Italian’s camp were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272405/italy-lodges-official-complaint-cheungs-gold-medal-victory-over-moral-winner-macchi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272405/italy-lodges-official-complaint-cheungs-gold-medal-victory-over-moral-winner-macchi?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 03:00:39 +0000 Cheung Ka-long said winning Olympic fencing gold in Paris felt like the first time all over again, and while he had dreamed of the moment, he could not believe it had happened. The Hongkonger, who has built a reputation for coming back from seemingly lost causes, successfully defended his men’s foil title on Monday night at the Grand Palais, beating Italian Filippo Macchi 15-14 and gaining several distinctions. His second gold, after the one he claimed at the Tokyo Games three years ago, makes... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272396/paris-olympics-cheung-ka-long-cant-believe-second-gold-may-chase-third-2028?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272396/paris-olympics-cheung-ka-long-cant-believe-second-gold-may-chase-third-2028?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:45:08 +0000 Only two men’s foil fencers had successfully defended their Olympic throne before Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long managed it at Paris’ Grand Palais on Monday. France’s Christian d’Oriola had been the previous one to do it, claiming his second in Melbourne in 1956 four years after winning in Helsinki. Before that, you had to go right back to Nedo Nadi of Italy winning in Stockholm in 1912 then defending it eight years later in Antwerp, with the 1916 Games in Berlin cancelled because of the first world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272393/paris-olympics-who-cheung-ka-long-stunning-rise-hong-kongs-double-gold-medallist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272393/paris-olympics-who-cheung-ka-long-stunning-rise-hong-kongs-double-gold-medallist?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:21:50 +0000 Cheung Ka-long produced a stunning performance on Monday night in Paris, winning gold for the second consecutive Games and adding another chapter to Hong Kong’s increasingly impressive Olympic history. The defending champion was taken to the wire by Italian Filipo Macchi, and at 14-12 down looked as though he would have to settle for silver, but on a night filled with drama, when both men believed they had won at the death, it was Cheung who got the decisive touch to win 15-14. Hong Kong leader... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272391/paris-olympics-cheung-wins-gold-haughey-bronze-tension-turns-glory-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272391/paris-olympics-cheung-wins-gold-haughey-bronze-tension-turns-glory-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 22:13:01 +0000 South Koreans social media users have accused the Paris Olympics organisers of discrimination, over what they called a “personal grudge” against the country, after repeated blunders within days of the Games’ opening. South Korea were introduced as North Korea at the opening ceremony, after which the name of the country’s first gold medallist at the Games was misspelt, leading netizens to criticise organisers for their “disgraceful” mistakes. At the opening ceremony on Saturday, as the South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272261/south-koreans-slam-paris-olympics-personal-grudge-social-media-backlash-blunders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272261/south-koreans-slam-paris-olympics-personal-grudge-social-media-backlash-blunders?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:18 +0000 Magic Monday? Medal Monday? Hong Kong will hope one of those phrases applies after day three of the Paris Olympics. It’s a day stacked with the city’s biggest hitters. Both of its flag-bearers, in fact, in the shape of Cheung Ka-long and Siobhan Haughey. Fencer Cheung may, by the early hours of Tuesday back home, be on the podium again, having stood on its top step when winning gold at the last Games in Tokyo three years ago. Almost simultaneously, swimmer Haughey will aim to achieve similar by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272248/paris-olympics-can-cheung-haughey-give-hong-kong-magic-monday-5-watch-day-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272248/paris-olympics-can-cheung-haughey-give-hong-kong-magic-monday-5-watch-day-3?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:30:11 +0000 Cheung Ka-long can “defeat absolutely everybody”, according to his coach, as the Hongkonger prepares to defend his Olympic gold medal in Paris. One of the city’s generational sporting talents, Cheung is looking to become only the third men’s foilist to defend his Olympics crown when he takes the piste at the Grand Palais at 7.35pm Hong Kong time on Monday. Sports Illustrated contributor Brian Cazeneuve did not fancy the 27-year-old’s podium chances, predicting medals for world No 1 Tommaso... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272231/paris-olympics-cheung-ka-long-can-defeat-everybody-he-eyes-repeat-fencing-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272231/paris-olympics-cheung-ka-long-can-defeat-everybody-he-eyes-repeat-fencing-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 02:00:26 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai joined an elite group of the city’s athletes by channelling what she called the “Hong Kong spirit” in a performance of determination, perseverance and mental strength. Kong’s gold in the women’s épée fencing was just the third ever claimed by the city at an Olympics, and ensured the delegation won a medal in successive Summer Games for the first time. The landmark victory places her alongside 1996 gold medal-winning windsurfer Lee Lai-shan, and Cheung Ka-long, her fellow... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272226/paris-olympics-vivian-kongs-historic-gold-sparks-day-celebration-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272226/paris-olympics-vivian-kongs-historic-gold-sparks-day-celebration-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:32:24 +0000 The Paris Olympics enters its second official day of competition on Sunday and after a whirlwind start, the events will again come thick and fast. As Hong Kong basks in the glory of its first gold of the Games – meaning the city has won a medal in consecutive Olympics for the first time – attention turns to who might be next. Long before Vivian Kong Man-wai’s historic achievement, Sunday had been ringed in the diary as the first appearance of potentially the city’s strongest podium hope, Siobhan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272170/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-2-siobhan-haughey-swims-us-enter-fray-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272170/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-2-siobhan-haughey-swims-us-enter-fray-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 04:30:10 +0000 Rail giant MTR Corporation announced that it would give Vivian Kong a lifetime ticket as “a token of appreciation” after she won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, while Deliveroo has offered discount at all restaurants. Travel company MTR said on Sunday all Hong Kong athletes who won a medal in this year’s Olympic Games and the subsequent Paralympic Games would also receive free lifetime tickets. Kong secured a stunning victory as she overturned a six-point deficit to defeat France’s Auriane... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272178/paris-olympic-gold-medallist-vivian-kong-receives-free-mtr-travel-deliveroo-discount?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272178/paris-olympic-gold-medallist-vivian-kong-receives-free-mtr-travel-deliveroo-discount?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 03:47:53 +0000 Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai clinching the city’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics was met with excitement from Chinese netizens, who claimed Kong’s victory as a triumph for China. Clips of Kong’s historic win in the women’s épée final went viral on Chinese social media platforms, with many celebrating the jaw-dropping moment when Kong won 13-12 in the sudden-death tiebreaker round. Netizens lauded Kong’s calm demeanour and mental resilience as the 30-year-old had been trailing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272176/vivian-kongs-olympic-gold-medal-lauded-glory-chinese-social-media-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272176/vivian-kongs-olympic-gold-medal-lauded-glory-chinese-social-media-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 02:56:56 +0000 Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led the congratulations to golden girl Vivian Kong Man-wai, who came out on top in a dramatic women’s épée final at the Paris Olympic Games. The 30-year-old had been trailing 7-1 but brought the match level to 12-12 before triumphing in sudden death. “I and all the people in Hong Kong are very excited and proud.” Lee posted on his Facebook page at 4am Hong Kong time. “In the early stages of the game, Kong fell behind for a while, but she responded... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272172/vivian-kongs-paris-olympic-gold-medal-john-lee-and-other-reactions-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272172/vivian-kongs-paris-olympic-gold-medal-john-lee-and-other-reactions-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 01:28:48 +0000 The Paris Olympics roared into life on Saturday with an action-packed day book-ended by gold for China and Hong Kong. Teenage shooters Sheng Lihao and Huang Yuting got things started for the mainland team in the 10m mixed team air rifle and there was diving gold too, both early enough for Hongkongers to be fully aware of them. Vivian Kong Man-wai, though, was still negotiating her way to a remarkable fencing gold for Hong Kong, clinched when most in her hometown will have been in bed. If you... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272169/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-gold-hong-kong-paris-olympics-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272169/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-gold-hong-kong-paris-olympics-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 23:32:31 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai said it was the “Hong Kong spirit” which helped her achieve the improbable on Sunday, coming back from a six-point deficit to stun Auriane Mallo-Breton in the women’s épée final and win Hong Kong’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics. And congratulations on her achievement have come in from across the city and beyond, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu making a point to personally call the 30-year-old to pass on his good wishes, before he left on a six-day visit of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272166/paris-olympics-vivian-kong-says-embarrassment-drove-her-win-hong-kongs-first-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3272166/paris-olympics-vivian-kong-says-embarrassment-drove-her-win-hong-kongs-first-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 22:18:51 +0000 Hong Kong épéeist Vivian Kong Man-wai had been on the podium for every major tournament in which she had competed, except the Olympics – until now. On Saturday, the women’s world No 1 made history by becoming only the third Hongkonger to have Olympic gold draped around her neck. Windsurfer Lee Lai-shan was the first at Atlanta 1996 and fellow fencer Cheung Ka-long struck gold in Tokyo in 2021. But Kong’s medal, Hong Kong’s first at the Paris Olympics, came with added significance, because it was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3270106/paris-olympics-fencer-vivian-kong-and-her-singular-pursuit-spot-games-podium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3270106/paris-olympics-fencer-vivian-kong-and-her-singular-pursuit-spot-games-podium?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:00:11 +0000 Fencing coach Greg Koenig said Cheung Ka-long being the city’s flag-bearer at Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony could be a good omen as the Hongkonger seeks to defend his title in Paris. The reigning men’s foil champion carried Hong Kong’s Bauhinia flag alongside swimmer Siobhan Haughey and Koenig said he had only one query when his pupil approached him for permission. “I only asked, ‘Do you want to do it’?” the Frenchman said. “Cheung replied he wanted to represent Hong Kong and would be proud... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272063/cheung-ka-longs-role-paris-olympics-ceremony-good-omen-hongkongers-history-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272063/cheung-ka-longs-role-paris-olympics-ceremony-good-omen-hongkongers-history-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 00:00:14 +0000 The man looking to inspire Cheung Ka-long to back-to-back Olympic gold medals said he was ashamed to be French after witnessing multiple failures from the organisers up close in Paris. A 40-minute ride from the Olympic Village became 90 after the driver missed an exit, leading to Greg Koenig arriving 45 minutes late to a “very important” technical meeting on Thursday. But that was not the only issue to hamper his preparation for the start of the Games. A lot of work still remained at the Grand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272082/paris-olympics-cheungs-coach-ashamed-be-french-after-multiple-failures-ahead-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272082/paris-olympics-cheungs-coach-ashamed-be-french-after-multiple-failures-ahead-games?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:45:10 +0000 Team Hong Kong returned home from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 with a historic haul of six medals, marking the city’s most triumphant performance in a Games in 69 years of competing. Hong Kong first took part at the Olympic Games in 1952, when it was a British colony. Hopes were often usually restrained for the performances of the city’s athletes. However, that all changed in 1996 when windsurfer Lee Lai-shan won gold in Atlanta. Twenty-five years later in Tokyo, fencer Cheung Ka-long wrote his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3271238/paris-olympics-who-have-won-games-medals-hong-kong-and-where-are-they-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3271238/paris-olympics-who-have-won-games-medals-hong-kong-and-where-are-they-now?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:30:09 +0000 The fencing competition at the Paris Olympics gets under way early, and aside from Hongkongers Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong, there are several other big names to keep an eye out for. Here’s our guide on who to watch and what to know ahead of the competition starting on Saturday. Athletes to watch Olga Kharlan (Ukraine): One of her country’s best hopes for Olympic success against the backdrop of war, Kharlan had a unique route to the Paris Games. Kharlan was drawn against Russian fencer Anna... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3269787/paris-olympics-2024-what-know-and-who-watch-during-fencing-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3269787/paris-olympics-2024-what-know-and-who-watch-during-fencing-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:00:11 +0000 Ysaora Thibus, one of the favourites for gold in the women’s foil event, will compete at the Paris Olympics, despite the threat of a doping ban hanging over her head. The 32-year-old was suspended by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) in February after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine before being cleared of any wrongdoing by the governing body in May. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3271759/hongkongers-fencing-gold-medal-rival-gets-paris-olympics-nod-despite-doping-ban-threat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/fencing/article/3271759/hongkongers-fencing-gold-medal-rival-gets-paris-olympics-nod-despite-doping-ban-threat?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:21:30 +0000 For most athletes, winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of sport, the fulfilment of a life goal. What else could you possibly be offered by way of incentive? Well, quite a lot it seems. As well as the as the ambition for glory and the financial incentive, there have been more creative rewards dangled in front of participants. And here are some of the most memorable. 1 – Free flights and lifetime rail pass After a record seven-medal haul at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, three local airlines... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3271530/olympic-rewards-winning-gold-medals-free-tea-furniture-no-military-service-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3271530/olympic-rewards-winning-gold-medals-free-tea-furniture-no-military-service-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:30:14 +0000 Hong Kong’s world No 1 fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai said she “does not want to let down” her support team, or fans at home, when she fights for Olympic gold this month. Kong, who is poised for her third Games, is only 80 per cent fit following a knee injury, according to coach Octavian Zidaru. And the 30-year-old Kong said her recovery was presenting mental challenges, after serious ACL injuries in 2017 and 2019. According to the top-ranked épéeist, while approaching full health, she woke up every... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3269856/world-no-1-hong-kong-fencer-keen-not-let-people-down-olympic-medal-quest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3269856/world-no-1-hong-kong-fencer-keen-not-let-people-down-olympic-medal-quest?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong’s defending Olympic champion fencer Cheung Ka-long can strike fear into his opponents as he tries to win again in Paris, his coach has said. Greg Koenig, who is overseeing the 27-year-old’s bid for repeat glory in the men’s individual foil, wants Cheung to use his status to his advantage rather than feeling burdened by it, and stick to a mission agreed by the pair in 2022. World No 3 Cheung had been ranked a lowly 19th when he stunned his rivals to win gold at the Tokyo Games three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269216/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-champion-fencer-cheung-ka-long-should-be-feared-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269216/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-champion-fencer-cheung-ka-long-should-be-feared-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:23 +0000 Daphne Chan Nok-sze downplayed talk that she is the natural heir to the Hong Kong Olympic champion fencing king, Cheung Ka-long, ahead of her Games debut this summer. However, Greg Koenig, who coaches both athletes, insisted that Chan boasts the potential to emulate star foilist Cheung, and achieve “something crazy” in Paris. Teenager Chan has been tipped for major senior honours since claiming Junior World Cup gold in December 2022. Compatriot Cheung won the same event five years before... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269011/paris-olympics-2024-coach-says-hong-kong-fencer-daphne-chan-can-achieve-something-crazy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269011/paris-olympics-2024-coach-says-hong-kong-fencer-daphne-chan-can-achieve-something-crazy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:30:08 +0000 Hong Kong fencer Cedric Ho Wai-hang said he had gained a major confidence boost for the Paris Olympics after winning the épée title at the Asian Championships. Ho led a Hong Kong one-two at the tournament in Kuwait City, coming from behind in Sunday’s final to defeat teammate Anson Ng Ho-tin 15-14. It brought a first continental medal for both fencers and was the first time Hong Kong had claimed the top two places at the championships, in a timely lift before the Games in France begin next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3267851/paris-olympics-massive-boost-hong-kong-fencers-they-win-asian-gold-silver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3267851/paris-olympics-massive-boost-hong-kong-fencers-they-win-asian-gold-silver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:33:31 +0000 Imagine fencing against a rival, and then guiding him to the Olympics and ending a 12-year drought for the city along the way, all the while making up for some decade-old regrets and unfulfilled dreams for oneself. Such has been the bond that has been cemented between Hong Kong épée coach Nicola Lu Min and Cedric Ho Wai-hang, who is attending the Paris Olympic Games as a debutant this summer. Lu and Ho were a generation apart and, despite not representing Hong Kong together, the two were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3265298/paris-olympics-2024-fencing-coach-nicola-mu-min-hopes-games-debutant-and-former-rival-cedric-ho?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3265298/paris-olympics-2024-fencing-coach-nicola-mu-min-hopes-games-debutant-and-former-rival-cedric-ho?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai may be heading to the Paris Olympics as one of the world’s top fencers, but Hong Kong head coach Octavian Zidaru does not believe that comes with any extra pressure. Ranked world No 1 in women’s épée, Kong travels to France with one eye firmly fixed on medal, as it would be with any competition. And Zidaru said neither the 30-year-old’s ranking, nor performances at previous Olympics, would have a bearing on this year’s Games, declaring his charge ready for the challenge that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3265082/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-world-no-1-vivian-kong-not-letting-weight-expectation-hamper-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3265082/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-world-no-1-vivian-kong-not-letting-weight-expectation-hamper-games?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:16 +0000 Hong Kong coach Gregory Koenig said he remained confident about the future of the city’s men’s fencers despite only one of them, defending champion Cheung Ka-long, clinching a place at the Olympic Games this summer. The foil head coach refused to blame the qualification criteria for Hong Kong’s modestly sized Paris-bound contingent, with teams ranked lower in the world having been handed a spot so that all continents are represented. Koenig maintained that his team had produced a strong season... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3258960/olympics-2024-what-next-hong-kong-foil-fencers-only-tokyo-gold-medallist-cheung-ka-long-makes-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3258960/olympics-2024-what-next-hong-kong-foil-fencers-only-tokyo-gold-medallist-cheung-ka-long-makes-it?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:30:14 +0000