Paris, France, July 27, 2024: Fencer Vivian Kong Man Wai made history for Hong Kong, China at the Paris Olympics on Saturday by winning the women’s epee individual.
Kong, 30, became the first woman to win an Olympic Games fencing medal for Hong Kong after edging home hope Aurian Mallo-Breton of France 13-12 in overtime at the Grand Palais.
After clinching her fifth straight victory of the day to take gold, Kong said it had always been her dream to fence in the Grand Palais.
“I love Paris,” she said.
Kong, competing in her third Olympic Games, made a slow start in the final, trailing 4-0 at the end of the first period and 7-1 during the second. By the end of the second period, though, she had closed the gap to three points at 9-6.
The Hong Kong left-hander finally pulled level at 10-10 and it stayed neck and neck until the end of the third period at 12-12, forcing the overtime. Kong scored the winning hit 34 seconds into sudden-death to take a famous victory.
Commenting on the change in her momentum halfway through the match, she said: “I just thought it was so embarrassing to lose like this. I was not using my brain. I still think I lost, even after so many interviews.”
A change of epee also changed her fortunes.
“I was using the same epee through all my bouts but Auriane was my first left-handed opponent so I decided to use a different epee. I was out of solutions. She’s an amazing fencer.”
Hong Kong’s Chef de Mission, Dr. Brian Stevenson, commented: “Vivian is the first Hong Kong fencer competing in Paris 2024. With the matches spanning from morning to night, our top-seeded fencer progressed with ease and delivered in every match.
“During the gold medal match, Vivian remained calm and focused despite her opponent enjoying home advantage. Even when facing adversity, she held her ground and showcased her marvelous skills as the world’s no. 1 until she reached the same points as her rival.
“Her outstanding performance has lived up to the expectations as she broke the deadlock to win the gold medal. Vivian has written history by becoming Hong Kong’s first ever female fencer to strike gold at the Olympics.
“The city applauds her victory, and this very first victory for Team Hong Kong, China at Paris 2024 will be a huge encouragement to other athletes who are going to compete in the coming days.”
*In men’s individual sabre, Oh Sanguk of Korea became the new Olympic champion with a 14-9 victory over Fares Ferjani (Tunisia) in the gold medal bout.