Advertisement
Profile | Cheung Ka-long, the unassuming fencing hero Hong Kong never knew about
- A former Asian and junior world champion, newly crowned Olympic gold medallist Cheung is finally getting recognition
- An unassuming but dedicated student of the foil, the 24-year-old has always dreamed of contesting the world’s elite
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
24
His name may be on every Hongkonger’s lips after his surreal run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but men’s foil hero Edgar Cheung Ka-long has long been collecting elite-level medals under the radar.
Advertisement
The world No 19, who clinched a historic men’s singles gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Monday, was crowned Asian champion aged 18, won Hong Kong’s first fencing World Cup medal, and boasts wins over several world number ones and Olympic gold medallists.
05:59
Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long clinches Olympic gold in historic win at Tokyo Games
Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long clinches Olympic gold in historic win at Tokyo Games
Those who tuned into the Tokyo Games’ opening ceremony would also recall the 1.93m-tall Cheung proudly bearing the Hong Kong flag alongside women’s badminton player Tse Ying-suet. Very few would have predicted he would walk away with Hong Kong’s second Olympic gold medal in history.
The Kobe Bryant-quoting, crafty left-hander Cheung is finally reaping the benefits having gained hundreds of thousands of social media followers within minutes of taking his podium position.
Advertisement
Hard work and sacrifice
Advertisement