Triathlete wants to ‘repay Hong Kong’ after giving up French passport
Asian under-23 champion Robin Elg obtaining Hong Kong citizenship to further career, hoping for National Games opportunity
Triathlete Robin Elg said his parents struggled to accept his decision to relinquish his French passport, but the Asian under-23 champion decided to take up Hong Kong citizenship for the benefit of his career.
Elg is in a race against time to be eligible for November’s National Games, having begun his passport application process at the turn of the year.
On current and recent form, Elg, who was part of Hong Kong’s Asia Sprint Championships bronze medal relay team last weekend, would almost certainly be selected.
His documents are being processed in France, with Elg optimistic “the Hong Kong side will be really fast”.
“It was a hard decision; I talked about it with my parents and it was hard for them to accept,” Elg said. “I am where I am in triathlon thanks to Hong Kong’s financial support and infrastructure, and I need to repay what Hong Kong has given me.
“I want to represent [the city] in major Games and I feel I have the level to be selected. To go further in my career, I need to get [the passport process] done.”