Hong Kong’s newly crowned world fencing champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin returned to the city on Monday and expressed his gratitude after his triumph in Georgia last week.
On his arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, 27-year-old Choi was presented with a bouquet of flowers before describing his relief and joy at reaching the pinnacle of his sport.
Having so often been overshadowed by Cheung Ka-long, Hong Kong’s two-time Olympic champion, Choi not only managed to win a world title in men’s foil before Cheung but also dethroned his teammate to become the world No 1.
“I am grateful now, having always missed out by a little in my career,” said Choi, who was ranked 11th in the world before his title success propelled him to the top of the standings. “So many times, I felt it was going to be my day, but it was never me.
“I have never felt so fulfilled. This is the first time I feel that God is really good to me. I really have nothing to complain about. I will now continue my career with a grateful heart.”
The first Hongkonger even to reach a world final, Choi last Wednesday beat Kirill Borodachev, the Russian, 15-9 in Tbilisi to become his city’s first world champion.
