Elite kayakers dream big as public warms towards sport – ‘Tokyo showed that Hong Kong athletes can be the best in the world’
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Elite local kayaker Austin Chang Long-yin is hopeful that the Hong Kong paddle sports scene will take off with the city’s changing perception of sports as a career path.
The 24-year-old, who already has more than a decade’s experience navigating Hong Kong’s waters ever since his father brought him to an open day in Sai Kung, had himself been through the stereotypical post-education dilemma.
After graduating from the University of Hong Kong, Chang’s family expected him to “find a well-paid job”. He had other ideas.
“I followed what they expected before, but in my final year of university, I really wanted to try to achieve my dreams as an athlete. But I was only brave enough to chase it after my final year,” Chang said.
“We [the family] had some fights at first. But now that I can take care of myself I think they are not as opposed to me becoming an athlete.
“The key is to have your own plan – most Hong Kong parents just want to see that their children can take good care of themselves.”
