Chan Ming-tai betters his Hong Kong long jump record to boost Olympic hopes
The local number one leaps 8.12 metres, only three centimetres short of the Rio qualifying mark
Promising long jumper Chan Ming-tai took a massive leap towards the Rio Olympic Games on Saturday after bettering his Hong Kong record with an effort of 8.12 metres – just three centimetres short of the qualifying mark.
It was the second time in two weeks Chan broke his own record after a leap of 7.99 metres in the Singapore Open last week.
“After the Singapore event, I knew I could jump better and was expecting something slightly over eight metres. The new record is really a surprise,” said the 21-year-old after his outstanding performance at the annual Hong Kong Championships at Wan Chai Sports Ground.
I knew I could jump better and was expecting something slightly over eight metres. The new record is really a surprise
“Of course there is room for improvement on my technical aspects and I want to reach the qualifying mark as soon as possible.”
Chan’s effort puts him in world’s top 25. With the world’s leading 32 long jumpers qualifying for the Olympics, the Hong Kong athlete has virtually secured a ticket to Rio.
“Each country is allowed a maximum three long jumpers in Rio and after deducting athletes from the same country in the rankings, Chan should have qualified,” said Simon Yeung, vice chairman of the Amateur Athletic Association. “To play it safe, it would be better to make the 8.15 metres before the qualification closes in mid July.
