Hong Kong athletics stormed back into action on Saturday, with a first senior competition in seven months at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground.
The 2022 Hong Kong Athletics Trial was not without safety measures, of course – for instance, the starting line of the 100 metres had an open lane in the middle, to meet social distancing requirements.
But it was a triumphant day for two sprinters who had recovered from Covid-19, with Lee Hong-kit and Leung Kwan-yi taking symbolic victories in the 100m to boost their hopes ahead of the World University Games in June, as Hong Kong athletics began its own recovery.
The 25-year-old Lee, who has already booked his ticket to Chengdu, won the men’s race in 10.79 seconds, with Shak Kam-ching taking silver in 10.82, and Diu Chun-hei collecting bronze in 11.08. The race was wide open, with Hong Kong record holder Ng Ka-fung now training in China.
“At first, I was worried that I would not be able to run and that my lung function might be bad,” Lee said. “I’m fortunate [Covid-19] didn’t affect my training much, and today’s result is something I expected.”
The full-time sprinter, whose most recent competition was the Hong Kong Athletics Series 2022-Series 4 last September where he set a personal best of 10.42 in the heats before taking silver with 10.50, had tested positive in late February at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI).
He had to isolate there until he was able to provide a second negative test after 10 days.
“I felt it was safe because the Institute is in closed-camp training. I even ate in my room. I don’t know where at the HKSI I contracted Covid-19,” Lee said.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University graduate now hopes to hit 10.30 at Chengdu in June and the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
In the women’s 100m, Leung Kwan-yi – who contracted Covid-19 at the HKSI in late-March – led all the way to claim first place in 12.37.
“I had difficulties breathing when I returned to training following my recuperation, but it only lasted a short period,” she said. “ Today’s result is acceptable, and I am looking forward to the rest of the season, which begins today with four consecutive weekends of competition.”
The 21-year-old PolyU student, who has a personal best of 12.03, is looking to break 12 seconds at her maiden World University Games.
In the women’s 5,000 metres, primary schoolteacher Vut Tsz-ying won gold with a personal best time of 18 minutes and 18.40 seconds.
Today’s Athletics Trial, as well as the three subsequent Athletics Series, are the last chances for Hong Kong athletes to prove themselves before the Olympic Committee finalises the squad for the Hangzhou Asian Games.