Shek Wai-hung in Asian Games dreamland after Olympic nightmare
Hong Kong gold medallist was ready to quit gymnastics after embarrassing failure in 2012, but now has fresh optimism
"If I had the chance to choose again, I'm not sure I would choose gymnastics. It's a hard road," said Shek Wai-hung after a thrilling night.
The newly crowned Asian Games men's vault champion, yesterday reflected on his journey to success.
"Gymnastics requires all sorts of attributes - physique, fitness, skills, mental toughness," said the 22-year-old, whose surprise victory in Incheon made him an instant national hero.
I thought I was still in a dream when I woke up this morning, wondering if I had really won the gold medal
"Difficult, demanding training routines repeated tens of thousands of times over years and years might still not deliver what is needed. There is no guarantee of success."
Shek stunned reigning Olympic and world champion Yang Hak-seon of South Korea in the vault final on Thursday night to clinch a gold medal, Hong Kong's first Asian Games gymnastic medal, but his victory is the product of countless hours of training and dedication - as well as lessons learned from the school of hard knocks.
He managed seventh place at the last Games in Guangzhou before qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics, the first gymnast from Hong Kong to do so. His first jump in London ended in ignominy as he lost his balance and landed flat on his backside, and failed to progress beyond the first round.
"I wanted to die right there - all my hard work and effort over so many years in vain in a flash," said Shek.
