Hong Kong music superstar Jackson Wang named fencing ambassador as foilists, épéeists exit
Being global ambassador for the sport is a role he ‘always wanted to do’, says rapper-singer as world champion Ryan Choi heads departure list
Global music superstar Jackson Wang gave Hong Kong something to celebrate on Saturday, after the city’s finest fencers had largely a day to forget at the Kerry Fencing World Championships.
Wang, a rapper, singer, and songwriter, was appointed as the first global ambassador for the International Fencing Federation (FIE), a role he said he had “always wanted to do” for the sport he had loved since a young age.
“I started as a fencer, and I’m back as one; it’s a part of my life, and a big thing in my family where I grew up,” he said. “I just love the sport, and I want to share fencing with more people; the true beauty of it as well as reaching a diverse audience.
“I’ve always wanted to do this, and it got to a point where I didn’t want to wait any more. My love for fencing is beyond a lot of stuff, so I want to spread the beauty of the sport through entertainment.”
A former Asian junior and cadet champion in sabre, global icon Wang “definitely checked all the boxes” to fit in his new role with the international fencing family, according to senior FIE officials.
“It wasn’t hard to see what he could bring to the table. I think what’s most important is the fact that he wants to do it,” said Donald Anthony Jnr, vice-president of the FIE. “He’s part of the family; he’s coming back to the family.