HK athletes prove that 'big things can be done in small places': Edgar Cheung

Edgar Cheung Ka-long, the defending champion of the Paris Olympics, made history by defeating a series of strong fencers to reach the final. He fought against Italian fencer Filippo Macchi and won the gold medal with a final score of 15:14, making him the first Hong Kong athlete to win gold medals in two consecutive Olympics.

Asked which is more important, the gold medal in Tokyo or the one in Paris, Cheung said, "Every gold medal is important. Of course, it's important to win, but it's still a good experience even if you lose... Hong Kong athletes can prove to others that they can do a lot of things in a small place, so please don't let it stop you from persevering," he said.

Cheung said that his father's birthday is in July, so he would like to dedicate the gold medal to his father as a birthday gift.

Cheung also thanked the public for staying up all night to watch his match. When asked if he had any tips to share with the athletes or the public as he has been a big-time player in many matches, Cheung said, "In my opinion, we should not give up. Even if there is a setback, we have to think about how we started in the first place, and then stick to it to the end."

"I can't believe it, I'm more than excited because my coach is French and it's very meaningful to win a gold medal in France," he added.

On winning gold medals for the second consecutive tournament, he said, "I will continue to work hard so that I can write more history in my career, and I think the most recent thing that I should focus on is the World Fencing Championships, and I will be able to make it a grand slam if I strive for a gold medal in that tournament."