Hong Kong's Cheung Ka-long Ready to Rise to Challenge After Olympic Glory
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Greg Koenig, coach of Hong Kong fencing star Cheung Ka-long, is focused on psychological preparation as the Olympic champion prepares for the Asian Games in Japan this month. Cheung, who has achieved the pinnacle of fencing success including two Olympic golds and an Asian Games title, faces the universal challenge elite athletes encounter when they have already conquered every major target. His teammates Harris Ho Shing-him, 17, and Leung Chin-yu, 21, will be making their Asian Games debuts alongside the foil king.
Key Points
- Cheung Ka-long is Hong Kong's first fencing superstar, having won Olympic gold both as an underdog and as the defending champion
- The 2023 Asian Games champion in Japan will feature Harris Ho Shing-him (17) and Leung Chin-yu (21) making their debuts, with Ryan Choi Chun-yin seeking his first Olympic medal despite holding a world title
- Koenig notes the psychological planning for Cheung differs from teammates because "he's won everything," requiring unique motivation strategies
- Cheung transferred his sporting affections to fencing at age 10 after joining a Hong Kong Fencing Association summer course, going full-time since 2014
- Novak Djokovic, owner of 24 Grand Slam titles, maintains his desire by staying connected to "the inner child, the four-year-old boy who took a racquet"
Why It Matters
Cheung's approach to overcoming post-peak motivation will set a precedent for Hong Kong's next generation of elite athletes competing internationally, as his psychological journey offers insights into sustaining excellence after achieving every major career goal .
Cheung's approach to overcoming post-peak motivation will set a precedent for Hong Kong's next generation of elite athletes competing internationally, as his psychological journey offers insights into sustaining excellence after achieving every major career goal .