PARIS — Vivian Kong Man-wai has etched her name into the annals of Olympic history, clinching Hong Kong’s first gold medal in women’s Épée fencing and the city’s third-ever Olympic gold. The 30-year-old fencer delivered a masterclass performance, culminating in a nail-biting sudden-death overtime victory over France’s Auriane Mallo-Breton, with a final score of 13-12.
Kong’s path to glory was marked by a remarkable comeback in the final bout. Trailing 1-7 in the early stages, she showcased extraordinary resilience and tactical prowess to level the score and force the match into overtime. In the decisive moment, Kong secured the winning touch, sending waves of jubilation through the Hong Kong delegation and her fans worldwide.
Throughout the day, Kong demonstrated her dominance on the piste, winning each bout with precision and poise. Her journey to the top of the podium began with a 15-11 victory over Egypt’s Aya Hussein in the round of 32. She continued her relentless march by defeating USA’s Hadley Husisian 15-12 in the round of 16.
The quarterfinals saw Kong face Ukraine’s Olena Kryvytska, where she delivered a commanding performance to win 15-7. In the semifinals, Kong overcame Estonian Nelli Differt with a 15-11 triumph, securing her spot in the final and setting the stage for her historic victory.
Kong’s gold medal is not just a personal achievement but a monumental milestone for Hong Kong. Her triumph in Paris serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region and a testament to her dedication and skill in the sport of fencing.
As the city celebrates Vivian Kong’s extraordinary accomplishment, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of fencers and athletes to pursue their dreams with relentless determination and unwavering spirit.
