Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021: Hong Kong China rowing coach Chris Perry has paid tribute to the keen young athletes back home for their hard work and dedication as the Olympics have unfolded in Tokyo.
In a Facebook post on July 31, Chris wrapped up the Olympic journey of his athlete here in Tokyo, Winnie Hung, and said attention would soon turn to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2022.
“It has been nice reporting our Olympic experiences over the past week but we are not just a team of one,” Chris said.
“As Winnie has battled in Tokyo, a large group of talented young rowers have continued to train back home in Hong Kong.
“We have all been on this difficult journey together over the past two challenging years. Most of them have not had the chance to travel or race, or even to know when the next race will be. Still, every week they have showed up to train.
“It has not been easy - but their turn will come! A short end of season recovery phase soon and then we turn our sights to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. We are proud of all of them.”
Hung finished her debut Olympic campaign in 23rd place in women’s single sculls on Friday, and Perry added: “She has improved so much since the Qualification Regatta in May, and the five hard races over the past week will be experiences she can bank on in the future. As a 22-year-old lightweight racing in open singles at her debut Games she can be very proud of herself.
“For me, as a coach, it has been so enjoyable to work with this young rower and see her progress. I am proud of her and it's been a lot of fun too! I hope she will go on to much greater achievements in the future.”
Perry, who was the chief instructor at the OCA rowing youth camp in Pattaya, Thailand in 2016, thanked all the coaches and support staff who played such a big role in recruiting and developing Winne.
“We were a team of 2 on the ground here but a much bigger team overall,” he said.