Mainland Olympians Visit Hong Kong, Inspiring Local Athletes

A group of Olympians from mainland China, including 59 gold medalists from the Paris 2024 Olympics, embarked on a three-day visit to Hong Kong. Their journey included a stop at the Hong Kong Sports Institute on Friday morning, where they engaged with local athletes in a spirit of friendship and collaboration.

The Olympians gained valuable insights into the institute's approach to nurturing athletes, touring various training facilities on campus. To foster interaction and exchange, the institute organized a series of engaging sports activities. Swimmers had the opportunity to try their hand at fencing and table tennis, while table tennis players explored the world of squash.

Fun activities were also organized to enhance interaction among the athletes. These included entertaining cycling challenges that tested endurance and quick games that assessed agility. Additionally, members of the national table tennis team engaged in exchanges and sharing sessions with their counterparts from the Hong Kong team.

Elena Chi Yi-lam, a swimmer from the Hong Kong team, cherished the opportunity to have her swimming cap signed by her favorite swimmer and role model, Zhang Yufei from the national team. They also took a photograph together, a moment that Elena described as a source of motivation and inspiration.

This visit by the mainland Olympians served as a valuable opportunity for athletes from both sides to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration and exchange in fostering the development of sports and athletes in the region.