I will be rowing for Hong Kong too, says British hope Melanie Wilson
Former Island School student, who spent half of her life in the city, begins her Olympic campaign for gold in the women’s eight on Monday
Melanie Wilson says a little bit of Hong Kong will be battling alongside British teammates inside the women’s eight boat when they launch their bid for gold at rowing’s Lagoa Stadium on Monday.
The 32-year-old Wilson, who grew up in Hong Kong and studied at Island School, is representing Great Britain in her second Olympics, though she maintains strong links with the city of her childhood.
“Definitely, Hong Kong is where I lived for more than half my life until I was 18 and although I have always had a British passport I felt very much a part of life there,” said Wilson.
“It was my home. I owe a lot to Hong Kong and the discipline that I learned as a swimmer at the Ladies Recreation Club there. That set me up for my future in top sport.”
Wilson is part of a crew who are capable of making history at the Rio Olympics. The British eight and one cox narrowly lost to the mighty Americans in Lucerne earlier this year and are looking to go one better in Rio. The Americans have won the past 10 Olympic and world titles.