Sprinter Lai Chun-ho to race through pain barrier in 4x100m relay
Hong Kong team member is nursing a leg injury and needs painkillers for men's 4x100m relay
Hong Kong sprinter Lai Chun-ho is on painkillers because of a left foot injury but coach Yu Lik remains confident that the 4x100 metres relay team can win a medal at the National Games in Shenyang, Liaoning province.
The quartet of Lai, Tsui Chi-ho, Tang Yik-chun and Ng Ka-fung spent 10 days training in Dalian before moving to the provincial capital, where they face strong rivals Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian for the gold medal.
This is not a major injury. The Games is our major target for the year
"Lai has to take painkillers six hours before a race but he seems to be coping well," Yu said. "In the long run, he will need an operation, probably after next month's East Asian Games.
"Other than Lai's injury, everything else is fine. The team have had the best possible preparation and we are confident they can deliver on the day."
Lai is also optimistic. "This is not a major injury," he said. "The National Games is our major target for the year and we all want to perform well."
The quartet will have their first test in the heats tomorrow, followed by the final on Wednesday.
"They are very experienced runners and have worked together for a very long time. They know how to handle the pressure," said Yu. "They are mentally strong so I feel a medal is very much within their reach."