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Hong Kong Marathon 2015
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Hung Chung-yam, Hong Kong's top cyclist in the 1980s, is improving as a runner. Photo: Edmond So

Former champion cyclist Hung Chung-yam shows he is still competitive at 52

Former champion cyclist proves he can still compete at a high level at the age of 52

The competitive fires still burn bright in former Hong Kong cycling champion Hung Chung-yam. The 52-year-old former Olympian is proving age is no hurdle as he shows the younger generation a thing or two.

Hung recorded a personal best two hours, 45 minutes and 25 seconds when he finished third in the men's masters yesterday. Hung finished just in front of Christy Yiu Kit-ching, one of Hong Kong's best women's distance runners.

"I put in a lot of effort for the event this year, training more than 200 kilometres a week sometimes, but the impressive result did surprise me a bit," said Hung, a seven-time Hong Kong champion before retiring from cycling after the 1997 National Games in Shanghai.

"I started serious marathon training three or four years ago. If I did it when I first finished my cycling career, the result may have been even better. But it's never too late as long as you want to make a change," said Hung, who also tried his hand at shooting but found it wasn't his style.

Hung Chung-yam after crossing the line in the men's masters. Photo: Nora Tam

"I tried distance running just for interest and as my results improved race by race, I started spending more time on it," said Hung, a senior manager at an insurance brokerage.

But there have been ups and downs for Hung, as it is for every runner.

"When I first ran the Hong Kong Marathon in 2009, I was on my own without any professional advice," he said. "I finished in three hours and 12 minutes and many of my friends then encouraged me to carry on and gradually I made it close to three hours.

"But then I hit the wall in the race a few years later and had to retire after 30 kilometres. I made up my mind to seek assistance from professional coaches who have helped me improve a lot," he added.

Hung said he would keep pushing the boundaries, regardless of what other people say.

"I am a bit old but will keep running to test my body's limit. After all, it is a healthy sport that keeps your body going."

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Delight for Hung Chung-yam after personal best run
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