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Jiang Chuqin

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led the congratulations to golden girl Vivian Kong Man-wai, who came out on top in a dramatic women’s épée final at the Paris Olympic Games.
The 30-year-old had been trailing 7-1 but brought the match level to 12-12 before triumphing in sudden death.
“I and all the people in Hong Kong are very excited and proud.” Lee posted on his Facebook page at 4am Hong Kong time. “In the early stages of the game, Kong fell behind for a while, but she responded calmly and caught up point by point.
“She showed her perseverance and fighting spirit. She deserved the medal and it was exciting.”
Lee also said he would continue to watch the live broadcast of the Games, anticipating more medals.












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The Hong Kong Jockey Club offered a cash prize of HK$6 million for any Hong Kong gold medallist praised Kong’s determination.
“It was an amazing night for Hong Kong when our athlete Vivian Kong won the first gold medal for Hong Kong by defeating her French opponent in the women’s epee final,” a statement read. “This is Hong Kong’s third Olympics gold medal in history.
“Vivian fully demonstrated Hong Kong’s ‘can-do’ spirit as she picked up from original 1 to 7 behind, till 12-12, and eventually won the gold medal by 13-12 during the extended time.
“The club supported our Olympic athletes with the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, recognising their huge efforts and dedication. Vivian will be awarded with HK$6m.”
The English Schools Foundation also reserved praise for their former pupil.


“On behalf of everyone at ESF, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to former ESF Sha Tin College student, Vivian Kong Man Wai, for her outstanding achievement of winning the Gold Medal at the Paris Olympics!” the Facebook post read
“Vivian’s dedication, talent, and perseverance have brought immense pride to our school community. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and wish her continued success in her fencing career.
“Once again, congratulations to Vivian Kong Man Wai on her well-deserved victory!”
Kevin Yeung, secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, added that Kong’s victory was something the whole city can enjoy.
“With her superb performance and keen tactics in the competition, Vivian Kong claimed victory and realised the dream of Hong Kong citizens,” he said. “Witnessing the triumphant moment first-hand, I am both touched and delighted by her performance and demeanour of a great athlete.
“I believe Hong Kong citizens shared the joy as well.”
“Kong had withdrawn from international competitions earlier due to injury. Nevertheless, she overcame it in a short time and persisted in training, which shows the extraordinary tenacity and fighting spirit of Hong Kong athletes. Her inspiring story will surely boost the morale of the Hong Kong team!”
Andrew Leung, chairman of the Legislative Council Complex echoed Yeung’s praise of Kong’s determination to overcome obstacles.
“Kong had withdrawn from international competitions earlier due to injury,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Nevertheless, she overcame it in a short time and persisted in training, which shows the extraordinary tenacity and fighting spirit of Hong Kong athletes.
“Her inspiring story will surely boost the morale of the Hong Kong team!”

Meanwhile, non-official members of the Executive Council also released a statement congratulating Kong on her triumph.
“With great perseverance and determination, Vivian Kong triumphed at international competitions and took top slot in the world ranking by overcoming her injuries and enhancing her level of skills,” the statement read. “She showed exceptional skills during the Olympic Games contest, capturing the gold medal and writing a glorious page in Hong Kong’s fencing history again.
“The people of Hong Kong are all proud of her remarkable achievement.”
Kong’s victory was made even sweeter as she overcame local favourite Auriane Mallo-Breton in the final with France president Emmanuel Macron watching on.
The world No 1 coped well in the face of a partisan crowd to turn the match around and claim the gold.
Kong’s victory early this morning came with added significance, as it was the first time that the city had secured a podium finish at two consecutive Games.
“At 7-1, I told myself I do not want to lose with such an embarrassing margin,” Kong said. “So I just tried to come back point by point.
“I knew that was far below my standard and I could have done better, so I just emptied my tank to try anything I can … and it just happened.”
See all the action as it happened from day one of the Paris Olympic Games with our live blog here.


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Hong Kong chief executive was one of several leaders to send their congratulations to the women’s épée champion


Vivian Kong Man-wai

Vivian Kong’s Paris Olympic gold medal: John Lee and other reactions from Hong Kong

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Hong Kong chief executive was one of several leaders to send their congratulations to the women’s épée champion

Hong Kong chief executive was one of several leaders to send their congratulations to the women’s épée champion