Cyclist who inspired velodrome vision ends 19-year link with Hong Kong Sports Institute – two months after his brother quits the academy
- Cheung King-wai’s 2006 Asian Games gold in Doha played a major role in convincing the government to build a world-class velodrome in the city
- The former scholarship holder spent 15 years with the institute as a cyclist and four years as a coach
The man whose Asian Games gold medal in 2006 inspired the government to build the city’s first world-class velodrome has left his job at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) – ending a 19-year relationship with the Fo Tan academy.
Cheung King-wai, an assistant coach until Wednesday, leaves the institute two months after his younger brother Cheung King-lok and promising rider Fung Ka-hoo quit the scholarship programme, with Hong Kong cycling losing three important members of their squad in a short space of time.
The 35-year-old Cheung posted a message on his Facebook page saying that Wednesday, June 2 was his last day at the institute – where he used to be a scholarship athlete and with whose support helped Hong Kong to some of their greatest moments on the regional stage.
“I started my career with the Hong Kong cycling team on June 2, 2002. I have been a full-time athlete for 15 years and an assistant coach for four years,” Cheung wrote. “I have grown up at the Hong Kong Sports Institute. On June 2, 2021, I will leave the Hong Kong cycling team after 19 years. I will continue to cheer for the athletes. I wish them every success.”
When asked why Cheung had left his job, a representative for the HKSI said they did not comment on staff movement. It is not known if the former cyclist’s contract had expired of if he was let go.