‘Powerful engine’ Chiu Hin-chun books his ticket to Rio just three years after picking up sport
Former Hong Kong team windsurfer wasn’t even sure whether he could make it to the Games last year, but will represent the city in men’s lightweight double sculls in Brazil
Windsurfer-turned-rower Chiu Hin-chun has surprised himself and astounded his peers by earning a ticket to the Rio Olympics just three years after picking up the sport.
This is really a very big success, because he did it in such a short period of time
Chiu was a former member of the Hong Kong windsurfing team, but switched codes in the summer of 2013, not sure how far he will get in his new sport.
A natural rower with a big “engine”, Chiu’s progress in the sport is nothing short of spectacular. He wasn’t even sure he would make it to Rio last year, but last month he pulled off the improbable.
His Olympic dreams were realised when he and partner Tang Chiu-mang qualified for the men’s lightweight double sculls last month, earning his berth to Rio – not bad for an athlete who wasn’t even a rower when the Olympics were last held in London four years ago.
Hong Kong coach Chris Perry has been impressed with how quickly 21-year-old Chiu was able to earn his Rio ticket.
“This is really a very big success, because he did it in such a short period of time,” said Perry.
“He has a very good aerobic engine and he’s definitely a born rower.
