The excitement generated by the medal-winning feats of Hong Kong’s star Olympians has not abated, as they return to a hero’s welcome.
Fencers Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai both struck gold, while swimmer Siobhan Haughey became the city’s most decorated Olympic athlete, with two bronze. They deserve all the plaudits they have received.
But with Hong Kong’s medals won and the Paris Summer Games near conclusion, attention must now turn to the future and how to maintain the momentum. Success should breed success. There is no room for complacency.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged further government support. Funding for the Hong Kong Sports Institute, which oversees top athletes, has increased 45 per cent since 2018/19 with HK$863 million (US$111 million) invested in 2023/24.
But as more taxpayers’ money is spent, the need for transparency, accountability and improvement also grows. Expectations are much higher. The community, which rallies behind its sports stars, is entitled to value for money.
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Two-time Paris Olympics bronze medallist Siobhan Haughey returns to Hong Kong
Two-time Paris Olympics bronze medallist Siobhan Haughey returns to Hong Kong
There will be a review of Hong Kong’s Olympics performance, which should help the public better understand in which sports young talent is to be found, so that future medallists can be groomed.
There is a need for a more scientific and strategic allocation of funds. A broader review of the governance and operation of the city’s sports associations is due to conclude this year.
It is to be hoped the report will provide a frank assessment of where improvements can be made. New ideas and some new faces would be welcome.
Hong Kong has benefited from the individual brilliance of its medal winners. But the city must now develop a new generation, especially with Kong taking a break from fencing after 20 years and Haughey considering her future.
There is a need to review the criteria for funding elite sports, little changed in two decades, to consider how money can be better spent, to ensure that athletes with potential are identified and provided with all the support they need to succeed.
Further improvements are needed for coaching, training, and in creating an environment in which talented athletes can flourish, while building a stronger sporting culture in the community.
Better facilities also are required. A new fencing venue has been promised and improvements made to the Sports Institute’s training centre in Fo Tan. But more is needed elsewhere, so that aspiring stars of the future can break through.
Hong Kong is revelling in winning medals in successive Summer Games for the first time. The drama and glory has the city buzzing.
But much work will be needed to sustain, let alone improve, on the performance. As Haughey said, the Olympic journey is a long one and this is just the beginning.
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