Hong Kong triathletes ‘embracing National Games pressure’, as coach sends warning on legacy
Rejuvenated Oscar Coggins targeting individual and relay glory in November showpiece event following early-season power show
Oscar Coggins said Hong Kong’s triathletes were “embracing the pressure” of trying to deliver success in November’s National Games, as head coach Andrew Wright urged government officials to not blow their chance to create a meaningful legacy for triathlon in the city.
The rejuvenated Coggins produced a consummate performance in Sunday’s Central Harbourfront relay test event, as he opened up a big lead over the field during his second leg. An otherwise understrength Hong Kong eventually finished third, but on an encouragingly smooth weekend for organisers, further evidence that Coggins has overcome past mental and physical difficulties provided a notable boost for the city team.
A Tokyo Olympian in 2021, Coggins had eight months away from the sport after his unhappy Asian Games withdrawal in September 2023.
“He’s such a brilliant athlete … we need to keep him happy, then he will be challenging for [National Games] individual and relay medals,” Wright said. “He’s the best I’ve seen him, physically and mentally, and we’ve not done that much work in the past two years, so there’s big room for improvement.”
Wright identified Coggins’ “running consistency” as the main area to address.
“We will keep the volume high and increase his work at gold-medal speed,” Wright said.