PARIS — John Loung became an overnight sensation in Hong Kong on Monday after clinching the city’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in a thrilling boccia final.
The 32-year-old Loung defeated world no. 1 Dmytro Kozin of Ukraine 6-4 in a tense Men’s Individual BC1 event to capture Hong Kong’s maiden Paralympic gold in boccia — a precision ball sport played by athletes with severe physical disabilities.
His historic triumph sparked jubilation across Hong Kong, with congratulatory messages pouring in from top officials and the public alike.
“John Loung has won the gold medal and demonstrated his sportsmanship. We are all deeply encouraged by his remarkable achievement,” said Kevin Yeung, the city’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee hailed Loung’s “unwavering determination and superb skills,” saying the entire city took immense pride in his crowning glory.
“His gold medal is well-deserved. All Hong Kong people and I are thrilled and proud of his outstanding performance,” Lee said.
Loung’s victory provided an electrifying start for the Hong Kong delegation at the Paris Paralympics, where the city has so far won four medals — one gold, two silvers and a bronze.
The two silver medals came from swimmer Chan Yui-lam in the Women’s 100m Butterfly S14 and the other from fellow swimmer Ng Cheuk-yan in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB6. Lam Wing-sing claimed Hong Kong’s first medal of the Games — a bronze in the Men’s Individual BC3 boccia event.
As Loung celebrated his life-changing triumph, the newly-minted Paralympic champion had a few words for his home city:
“This gold is for Hong Kong. Your unwavering support has been my biggest motivation to excel at the highest level.”
