Hong Kong swimmers ecstatic as pools open again after four-month closure, but restrictions hamper lessons
- On December 2, the Hong Kong government shut down all the city’s pools and beaches in an attempt to contain a fourth wave
- Now four months later, swimmers are partaking in their favourite pastime again, but restrictions remain in place
Rachel Chong said getting back to swimming after four months is a special feeling. She was doing laps with her coach Kelvin Cheng at the South China Athletic Association’s pool complex in Causeway Bay.
“I like the way the water feels between my fingers,” said the 10-year-old, who has been swimming for seven years. “I feel like I have travelled back in time.”
Cheng said after all this time, some of the children have yet to return, given the extended lay-off was such a deterrent, however the ones who have are incredibly happy.
“They’re really enjoying coming back from the dry land to the pool,” said Cheng, who also plays water polo for Hong Kong’s national team. “We’ve been trying to keep them as prepared as we can for this day.”
Cheng, who is a coach with the Harry Wright International Swim School, said many young swimmers stopped training as with no pools, they were forced to try and fill the void with outdoor training. He said this made it really tough to keep children interested and engaged for such a long time given there were no other sports to do. He sees the benefit children get from swimming first hand, that it not only helps them keep physically fit and develop athletically, but also teaches them life lessons.
