Hong Kong’s top fencer, Edgar Cheung Ka-long, etched his name in Olympic history on Tuesday, defending his foil title with a nail-biting 15-14 victory over Italy’s Filippo Macch. Cheung’s triumph not only secured him a coveted gold medal but also a substantial cash bonus totaling HK$9 million.
Cheung’s victory marks the second gold for the Hong Kong team at the Paris Olympics, following fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai’s impressive win in the women’s individual epee competition. Together, they have elevated Hong Kong’s standing in the global sports arena.
Under the “Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme,” Cheung will receive HK$6 million for his gold medal performance. Additionally, as an alumnus of Lam Tai Fai College, he will benefit from another HK$3 million through the school’s “Outstanding Athletes Incentive Awards Scheme.”
With this latest achievement, the Hong Kong team has now secured two golds and one bronze medal, contributing to a total of HK$13.5 million in incentives from the Jockey Club. This includes HK$1.5 million awarded to swimmer Siobhan Haughey, who claimed bronze in the women’s 200m freestyle.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Jockey Club, praised Cheung’s accomplishments and the enthusiastic support from the people of Hong Kong. “These achievements highlight the unifying power of sports within our society,” he remarked. Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasized the need for continued investment in sports development, expressing hope for more outstanding performances from Hong Kong athletes in future competitions.
As Cheung returns home, he brings not just medals and cash but also a renewed sense of pride for a city rallying around its athletes. The Paris Olympics continue to showcase the talents and determination of Hong Kong’s sports community, promising a bright future ahead.
