Ho Ching-him Quits School to Pursue Full-Time Fencing Dream, Thanks Senior Choi for Support
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong fencer Ho Ching-him (Harris) made the bold decision to suspend his studies at Diocesan Boys' School last year to pursue fencing full-time, having struck a one-year deal with his mother that he would return to school if he failed to achieve results . The gamble paid off spectacularly, as Harris swept to gold at both the World Junior Championships in April and the Youth Olympic Games, delivering a flawless performance to close out his junior career on a perfect note . Speaking after his Youth Olympic triumph, the composed young athlete took a moment to thank his senior teammate Ryan Choi Jun-yin for his encouragement, adding with apparent shyness: "I love him!" . Harris has since transitioned into senior competition, notching several upset victories against world-class opponents and climbing to 25th in the world rankings . Looking ahead, the ambitious fencer has set his sights on the Olympic Games, declaring his desire to become an Olympic champion .
Key Points
- Ho Ching-him enrolled at Diocesan Boys' School but suspended his studies last year to train full-time, striking a one-year agreement with his mother to achieve results or return to education
- At the April 2026 World Junior Fencing Championships, Harris dominated the group stage with six straight wins before defeating South Korean rival Jian Choi 15-10 in the final to claim the junior title
- Harris also contributed to Hong Kong's silver medal in the 2026 World Championships team event, pushing eventual champions Italy to a dramatic deciding point in the final
- The young fencer has upset top opponents in senior competition, including defeating Asian Games gold medalist Iichiri Meshi at the Takamatsu World Cup and former world number one Marin at the Lima Grand Prix
- Hong Kong national team head coach Cheng Siu-hong praised Harris as "the biggest surprise of the competition," while also entrusting him with closing duties at the Asian Games
Why It Matters
Harris's meteoric rise from schoolboy to world-class fencer in just one year demonstrates Hong Kong's growing strength in Olympic sports, with young athletes willing to make significant personal sacrifices for elite achievement . His open appreciation for senior teammate Ryan Choi Jun-yin also highlights the supportive team culture within Hong Kong's fencing programme, which has produced multiple generations of competitive fencers . As Harris sets his sights on Olympic glory, his journey offers an inspiring narrative for young Hong Kong athletes considering similar paths in sports .
Harris's meteoric rise from schoolboy to world-class fencer in just one year demonstrates Hong Kong's growing strength in Olympic sports, with young athletes willing to make significant personal sacrifices for elite achievement . His open appreciation for senior teammate Ryan Choi Jun-yin also highlights the supportive team culture within Hong Kong's fencing programme, which has produced multiple generations of competitive fencers . As Harris sets his sights on Olympic glory, his journey offers an inspiring narrative for young Hong Kong athletes considering similar paths in sports .