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Paul McNamara

Two of Hong Kong’s best triathletes, Hilda Choi Yan-yin and Jason Ng Tai-long, said during the weekend’s National Games test event that they had recovered their passion and motivation after surviving significant setbacks.
Choi needed emergency surgery to save a finger on the eve of the delayed Asian Games in September 2023, after jamming the digit while reaching down to try to fix a part on her bike. She missed seven months, before returning for nine races last year.
She began her 2025 with eighth place in the Asia Triathlon Cup in Malaysia last week, before coming sixth in Saturday’s individual test event at Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront.
The 31-year-old acknowledged her injury ordeal had been “upsetting”, but said she would now be retired if she had competed at her third Asian Games.
“[The injury] was part of my journey and showed me what I want, and what I am passionate for,” Choi said.

“I’m mentally ready to challenge myself again and want to reach my full potential before I say I am done.
“Maybe God wanted me to carry on longer, because I have things to improve, and I need to work hard and fix what I’m not good at.
“I want to fight for something for Hong Kong and for myself. I’m feeling very energetic and looking forward to the year.”
Choi said racing over successive weeks in Malaysia and Hong Kong was good preparation for April’s Asia Triathlon Sprint Championships, which will also be staged in the city.
“I am very greedy and I want a medal … but I still need a good swim,” said Choi, who identified the water as an area to address after struggling to match China’s strongest on Saturday. “Top five would be a good result, but I wouldn’t count myself out. I will fight for what I want.”
In the taxing sport of triathlon, for every athlete in rude health, another is typically suffering. So it is for Choi’s Hong Kong colleague Bailee Brown, who is recovering after three operations on her own injured finger.
“I will support her in any way she needs,” Choi said.
Ng missed the final two events of last year after “struggling for motivation” following his bitterly disappointing Olympics.
The 25-year-old, who tore his wetsuit during the swimming leg in Paris before withdrawing, spent time in Europe with his family to recuperate. He said it was a “blessing” this year not to have the stress of Olympic qualifying.
“I want the best results possible, but I can have fun and focus on what I love, which is the sport,” he said.
“I don’t have to think about rankings and qualification points. Last year, Olympic qualification went right down to the wire, I had the accident [he was hit by a bus on a training ride], and didn’t feel I had time to prepare for the Olympic race.”

Ng was in the leading three following the bike leg on Saturday, but stopped running after feeling thigh pain. After a recent hip problem, he said he would not rush his return.
“My priority is to come back fully fit,” Ng said.
In Sunday’s relay test race, Hong Kong’s Cade Wright, Oscar Coggins, Tallulah Wright and Nick Yip Tak-long finished third in one hour, 37 minutes and 50 seconds. Shandong won in 1:36:35 to complete a weekend hat-trick, after it supplied the men’s and women’s individual victors.


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Hong Kong triathletes Hilda Choi, Jason Ng rediscover passion after Olympic and injury woe

Hong Kong’s Hilda Choi (left) at the start of the cycling leg of the National Games test event. Photo: Elson Li

Jason Ng leads Shandong’s eventual second-placed finisher Zhang Chi in Saturday’s test race. Photo: Elson Li

Hilda Choi said she would have retired after the Asian Games in 2023 had she competed. Photo: Elson Li

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Sport

Hong Kong

Choi ready to challenge herself after contemplating retirement, while Ng is enjoying racing again after Olympic blow


Choi ready to challenge herself after contemplating retirement, while Ng is enjoying racing again after Olympic blow.


Triathlon