Advertisement

Hong Kong lawmaker defends ex-athlete Wang Junxia gaining residency via migrant scheme

Former runner ‘can contribute enormously’ to city and is ‘trustworthy’ despite doping accusations against ex-coach, Legco member Shang says

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
Wang Junxia of China celebrates winning gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Photo: Reuters
A Hong Kong lawmaker has said he has no concerns about former athlete Wang Junxia being granted residency in the city, after some Hongkongers queried the move.

Former distance runner Wang, 52, had her residency confirmed on Wednesday under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, along with her 15-year-old daughter Huang Danting.

It came 29 years after the end of Wang’s controversial athletics career, in which she won 5,000 metres gold at the 1996 Olympics and set several world records – largely under Ma Junren, whom China later dropped as a coach when six other athletes failed blood tests.

Wang on Friday insisted her 3,000m world record, which has stood for 32 years, would be broken eventually.

Legislative Council member Jesse Shang Hailong, who was involved in efforts to grant residency to Wang, said on Friday: “I am not an expert in sports, but if Wang can be an Olympic champion, she must have passed all criteria by the International Olympic Committee. It meant her results were tested, and she’s still a world record-holder.”

Wang Junxia (right) presents a self-painted picture of her Olympic triumph to Jesse Shang. Photo: Mike Chan
Wang Junxia (right) presents a self-painted picture of her Olympic triumph to Jesse Shang. Photo: Mike Chan

He added: “To me, she’s trustworthy, and I believe in her.”

Advertisement