Hong Kong sprinter Alton Kwok believes he is on track to achieve lofty goals
The 18-year-old states that biggest improvements in past year are mental and how the sport has helped him become enlightened and form habits
Hong Kong sprinter Alton Kwok Chun-ting said he believes he has the know-how to achieve his lofty goals this year and in the not-too-distant future.
The confident 18-year-old was at one point the fastest under-20 sprinter in Hong Kong, clocking 10.36 seconds in the 100m at the Asian Under-20 Championships. The current record holder is Chan Yat-lok with 10.34 seconds at the same event.
“I want to reach the final at the World Athletics U20 Championships this summer; I want to stand on the Asian Games podium, but it does not have to be in Nagoya; I want to be the first Hongkonger to stop the clock under 10 seconds [in the 100m], and I believe I can do that,” Kwok told the South China Morning Post.
“I cried like hell in my last U20 world championships in Peru two years ago after failing to reach even the semi-finals,” said Kwok.
Heading into the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, the young runner held the Hong Kong under-20 record of 10.37 seconds, which he beat in the first semi-final with 10.36 seconds at the end of May.
“This August is my last U20 World Championship, this is my last chance, and I want to do something. I know it is difficult because quite a number of sprinters are running under 10 seconds. This is a very important event for me, and a proof to myself, it means I am on the right path and that I am correct with my self-confidence if I can perform at the world level.”