Vivian Kong achieves historic bronze at fencing worlds; dedicates it to people of Hong Kong
- Fencer dedicates her bronze to the people of her home amid city’s turmoil
- Bronze will put her in good stead for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo
Top fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai is halfway through her quest for an Olympic medal. Now for the final push as she puts all her effort into making a lifelong dream come true.
The 25-year-old epeeist became the first Hong Kong fencer to medal at the world championships and she was delighted not only to have accomplished what she had set out to do this year, but she moved closer to a potential medal at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. She also returned to the world No 1 ranking spot.
In Budapest, she scored impressive victories over top ranking opponents from Slovenia, Ukraine and Estonia, as well as top Frenchwoman Caroline Vitalis (15-9), before reaching the last four, where she lost to Brazil’s Nathalie Moellhausen 15-11. There is no play-off for third place so losing semi-finalists receive an automatic bronze.
Left-handed fencer Kong dedicated her victory to the people of Hong Kong amid the city’s “struggles”, adding that she hopes her bronze would brighten up people lives. Kong was referring to the ongoing protests against the extradition bill that have wreaked havoc.