Hong Kong swimming school of Alex Fong, singer, actor and former Olympian, teaches kids skills for both in and out the pool
Alex Fong talks about his new academy which aims to nurture a new generation of swimmers, as well as help children from poor families and new immigrants get into swimming
Alex Fong Lik-sun is a rare talent who dived from a record-breaking swimming career into a high-voltage entertainment one thanks to hard work, unbridled passion and the will to power through challenges.
Looking back on 18 years in show business – including more than 50 film performances – Fong explains that lessons learned during his pro-swimming days have contributed to his success today.
Fong was nicknamed “Little Flying Fish” for his achievements in the pool, which include breaking Hong Kong records for 200m backstroke (2:05.47) and 400m individual medley (4:29.02) at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – records he still holds today.
“My character and personality today are mainly from swimming and swim training, where I learned about sportsmanship, discipline, being humble, and working hard [to achieve my dreams], especially in overcoming difficulties,” Fong says.
Now the entertainer thinks he and his team of coaches at the Hong Kong Swimming Academy (HKSA), a HK$1 million (US$130,000) venture he set up with a partner, can nurture a new generation of swimmers by not only by equipping them with aquatic skills, but tools to help them in life.
