Windsurfers Sonia Lo and Michael Cheng are suiting up to represent Hong Kong on the waves at the Rio Olympics.
The Olympic windsurfing programme gets underway on August 8. However, the duo arrived in Rio in mid-June to acclimatise and dive into intensive training on the Olympic course.
Although new to the Olympics, they are determined to leave their mark.
Summer sailing
Windsurfing brought Hong Kong world recognition when Lee Lai-shan won the city’s only Olympic gold medal in the Atlanta Games in 1996.
It boosted the sport's popularity in Hong Kong, and Lo and Cheng found their passion after taking summer windsurfing courses at the ages seven and nine.
Lo was soon selected to join the youth training team, but it was no easy feat.
"During the selection race, I failed to set up the sail while other children got it done easily. But I didn't give up and tried many times. So I was selected to join the youth training team."
Cheng has been a keen windsurfer since participating in a Leisure & Cultural Services Department training course.
After 13 years of training, he secured a berth for this year's Games.
"Windsurfing gives me the feeling of freedom and a sense of speed. I enjoy it a lot."
In March this year, the duo joined the 2016 ASAF Asian Championship. Lo won the medal race for the RS:X women’s event, while Michael ranked second for the RS:X men’s event.
Overcoming obstacles
Missing out on the chance to compete in the 2014 Asian Games, Cheng trained harder and strove to understand himself better. His physical fitness became another advantage.
"Twenty-two-years-old is a good age for an athlete. I have this advantage. But my weakness will be my competition strategy."
The environment of the Rio course is similar to Stanley, partially enclosed by mountains and tending to have great variability in wind conditions. It is a good location for the duo to train in.
Coach Yu Wing-ho said a windsurfer's meteorological knowledge is as important as their power and technique.
"The wind condition of the venue is quite chaotic. The current is also swift. During our time in Brazil we mainly did some practice games with other participants to enhance Michael's use of strategy, such as how to plan his route," Yu said.
Lo has made five training trips to Rio and is confident she has made a thorough study of its climate and topography, which she hopes will give her an advantage at the Games. But she needs to turn to her technique when facing strong winds.
"I am not as strong as the Europeans. During strong wind conditions it involves a lot of technique. Although I am not as strong as them, I will use my technique to compensate."
Acting head coach Chan King-yin also has great faith in Lo’s capability.
"Sonia is at her best in light to medium winds. She learns and improves quickly. This is her advantage. At the final stage I hope she can achieve even more. Adapting to the competition venue is most important for her."
Anticipation rising
The windsurfers are determined to do their best to honour Hong Kong.
"I feel so excited. I am looking forward to this competition, as the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world. I hope I can perform my best and qualify for the medal race," Cheng said.
Lo added: "This is my first time to participate in the Olympics. I really feel very happy. This race recognises all my efforts. This is the largest competition. So I told myself, don't think too much. I won't only think of what medal I should win. I will do my best."
Although they face plenty of obstacles on the high seas, Hong Kong will be cheering on the duo as they fight for Olympic glory.
