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Call for change in SAR
attitude
Young Post (South China Morning Post)
November 2, 2000
Participating in the Olympic Games is the dream of every athlete . Hong Kong's top swimmer Alex Fong Lik-sun made his dream come true in September . Though he did not bring home any medals , he set two new Hong Kong records in the 400 metres freestyle and 200m backstroke . A barrage of fireworls wrapped up the Olympics . His dream of attaining greater heights has not come to an end . The top swimmer received Incentive Awards presented by the Hang Seng Bank and Hong Kong Sports Development Board in recognition of his brilliant performance at the Olympics . The Hong Kong top swimmer and Sports Development Board Scholarship Athlete is features in this week's Sportlight and shares his views and experiences .
As a home-grown swimmer , how did you feel after winning a place in the squad for the Olympic Games ?
Going to the Olympics is the dream of every athlete . I feel proud at being able to participate in the world's largest sporting event . It was an eye-opening experience .
During the Olympic Games , Iwitnessed the success and failure of different athletes and was able to make a lot of friends . They have inspired me to work harder .
You set two Hong Kong records at the Olympics . What made you perform so well during the Games ?
I broke two Hong Kong records in the 400 metres individual medley and 200m backstroke , finishing these events in 4:29.02 and 2:5.47 , respectively . I think my success can be attributed to my calmness and good preparation . I was under no pressure at the Olympics .
How did you prepare for Sydney ?
I did not put too much preparation . I just kept training when I studied in the United States . i received training from renoened swimming coach Richard Shoulberg , who improved my swimming teachniques .
When I came back to Hong Kong , I resumed training under Cheung Tik-yung , who's very familiar with my swimming .
What have you been doing since the Olympic Games ?
I'm taking a short break to recharge my batteries . However , I will return to my normal training schedule very soon .
What future competitions will you take part in ?
I'll take part in some local and international swimming competitions , but so far I have not received any details . I'll take part in the East Asian Games , which will be held in Osaka next May and the All China Games in the mainland next year .
Now that you have been to the Olympics , what do you think of Hong Kong's standards ?
Hong Kong swimming is not bad and can be considered as average in Asia . Many Hong Kong swimmers can qualify for the finals of the Asian Games . However , Hong Kong swimmers have a long way to go to compete well with other countries .
Australia got a boost for hosting the Olympic Games . What do you think Hong Kong can learn from Australia in promoting sport and hosting sporting events like the Asian Games ?
Hong Kong must provide athletes with more incentives and better sporting facilities . People should also change their attitude towards sports . Many talented athletes have quit because their sporting achievements were not appreciated .
In Australia , people have a high regard for athletes and the Government strongly supports the develpoment of sports .
Do you support Hong Kong's bid to host the Asian Games ?
Of course , I support Hong Kong's bid to host the Asiad . However , I am worried about public support especially because even popular soccer matches are not well attended .
Do you have any suggestion to motivate Hong Kong people to support sports activities ?
Schools and parents should take an active role in encouraging their children to take part in sports activities . I'm now a Sports Ambassador with a responsibility for promoting sports . If people take to sports activities in a big way then Hong Kong could reduce its huge bealth bill .
The connection between Hong Kong and the mainland is very close after the handover . How do you think this close relationships can help Hong Kong develpo its sports activities ?
The mainland has helped us a lot . Most of our coaches come from the mainland . I also underwent training on the mainland .
You just finished your high school education in the US . Do you have any plans to further your studies ? Or do you plan to be a full-time athlete ?
I'll go back to the US or stay in Hong Kong to further my university education next january . I don't think I will be a full-time swimming coach . I hope I can develop my career in the business field , which I find very challenging .
What 's your advice for people who are interested in swimming ?
Practise ! Even though you're talented , you should keep on practising to improve your skills . It's better to learn swimming at a younger age .
Which style is the most difficult to master ?
Butterfly . In Japan , swimmers are encouraged
to learn backstroke . As for me , I learned backstroke fast .
Breaststroke is easy to learn but it's hard to do
it well , especially in competitions .
Besides swimming , what other sports do you like ?
I like basketball , soccer , snooker and water sports .
Who is your athletic hero ?
Basketball player Michael Jordan . He's the world's most successful athlete that I know of . He's talentes and confident .
Do you have any plans about a career in showbiz ?
Yes , i'm interested in showbiz . I was invited
to take part in a television programme feature in a magazine and
host inter-school events . I don't have any definite plans yet .