Tokyo Games: Fencer Vivian Kong vows to diligently follow strict safety precautions against Covid-19 as she kicks off Hong Kong medal campaign
- Former world No 1 epeeist promises to wear a mask ‘all the time’ and has her meals in her room to prevent the spread of Covid-19
- Six Hong Kong teams left for Tokyo on Saturday with Olympics less than one week to go
Top fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai says she will do everything in her power to adhere to strict Covid-19 health precautions, promising to wear her surgical mask “all the time” and have her meals in her room so that she can complete her second Olympics with the aim of producing a medal.
The Hong Kong star left Hong Kong on Saturday morning, along with her épée teammates and fellow the men’s foil team and other Hong Kong Olympians who will be in action next week at the Tokyo Games.
Kong’s individual épée will take place the following morning after the opening ceremony as the 2019 World Championship bronze medallist kicks off Hong Kong’s medal quest in Tokyo. While the 27-year-old felt excited the Olympic Games looks like it will finally get under way, the Covid-19 situation in the Japanese capital is a big concern for many athletes, not least Kong.can finally get under way, the situation in Tokyo is still a big concern.
“We have brought along many face masks and a lot of disinfectants to protect our personal hygiene,” said Kong, who is currently ranked seventh in the world. “I am also worried about my coach [Octavian Zidaru] as he takes off his mask to smoke. I have brought a portable air purifier for him.
“We know the Japanese people are struggling with the pandemic and I don’t want to give them more of a burden. We will wear our face masks all the time and stay in our rooms when eating. We will put all our focus on competition and return to Hong Kong after the event is over.”