Paris Olympics: Vivian Kong says ‘Hong Kong spirit’ drove her towards gold medal triumph
- Chief Executive John Lee praises the world No 1’s ‘resolve and determination’ and tells her ‘we are all very grateful for it’
Vivian Kong Man-wai said it was the “Hong Kong spirit” which helped her achieve the improbable on Sunday, coming back from a six-point deficit to stun Auriane Mallo-Breton in the women’s épée final and win Hong Kong’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
And congratulations on her achievement have come in from across the city and beyond, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu making a point to personally call the 30-year-old to pass on his good wishes, before he left on a six-day visit of Asean countries, where he will meet top officials to discuss more business opportunities.
Speaking from the VIP lounge at the city’s international aiport, Lee told Hong Kong’s newest Olympic champion that its residents were “all very grateful” for her performance.
Fighting in front of French President Emmanuel Macron and a partisan crowd, the world No 1 trailed 7-1 at one point at the Grand Palais, but the 30-year-old managed to fend off some immense pressure to tie the bout.
The pair went into sudden death at 12-12, only for Kong to land the winning hit for her only lead in the final.
“I didn’t want to lose so badly,” Kong said when asked how she managed to turn the match around. “I didn’t want to give up without showing the Hong Kong spirit.
