Hong Kong’s Chan Chun-hing brings down the curtain on his career with best Olympic finish in Rio

Hong Kong mountain biker Chan Chun-hing bade goodbye to last Olympics in Rio by pushing himself to the limit and crossing the finish line in his best ever Olympic performance.

The 35-year-old biker was the last Hong Kong athlete to compete in the Rio Olympics and was the flag bearer at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony.

He earned himself a 32nd-place finish completing the 4.84-kilometre course in one hour, 44 minutes and 41 seconds.

WATCH: golden moments on Day 16 at the Rio Olympics

The three-time Olympian finished in 40th place at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 38th at the London Games.

“When I was on the last lap, I felt that I was going to miss this,” said Chan, who has decided to retire from the sport. “But as much as I knew I was going to miss it, I have decided not to go on (as an athlete) anymore. I have spent a long time thinking about this before making the final decision.”

WATCH: Hong Kong golf star Tiffany Chan shines at the Rio Olympics

The mountain bike course requires riders to trudge through varying terrain, as well as jump off rocks and ride down steep inclines.

Switzerland’s Nino Schurter took gold, finishing in 1:33.28.

“The course was not as difficult as I expected, although of course I’m not saying it was easy! It was raining and there were a lot of bikers in the race, it would be easy to crash,” Chan said.

70 to 2: What the Rio Olympics medal tally says about China-India comparisons

“I have not really thought about what I will do when I am back home. For now I just want to spend time with my family and be with my son.”

Chan won silver at the 2014 Asian Games.

His coach, Shen Jinkang, said he knew a few promising young bikers but they have yet to commit themselves to full-time training.

“Taking part in the Olympics requires huge commitment,” Shen said.

Chan said earlier he has made a lot of sacrifices to make it to Rio. For seven to 10 months each year, he has to be away from Hong Kong and his family to train.