Hong Kong Sailing Duo Qualify for Paris Olympics

Hong Kong sailing duo Akira Sakai and Russell Aylsworth have secured their spots at the Paris Olympics after finishing seventh at the 55th French Olympic Week Last Chance Regatta. The pair will compete in the 49er sailing event, joining fellow sailor Nicholas Halliday who qualified for the ILCA7 single-handed dinghy event earlier this year.

The Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China expressed their pride in the sailors’ achievement, highlighting their hard work and dedication to reach this milestone. The spokesperson stated, “They have worked incredibly hard to get these results and we look forward to seeing them race in Paris this summer.”

Despite a small delegation, Hong Kong still has several athletes vying for a spot in events such as triathlon, gymnastics, badminton, and athletics. However, there will be no representation for the men’s teams in fencing or table tennis, and karate has been dropped by the International Olympic Committee.

Other athletes who have already qualified for the Olympics include reigning men’s foil individual champion Cheung Ka-long, women’s epeeist Vivian Kong Man-wai, and teenage debutant Daphne Chan Nok-sze. Swimmer Siobhan Haughey, who has qualified for six events including two relays, will be aiming to improve on her double silver medal from Tokyo.

The Hong Kong team will also be represented in cycling, gymnastics, table tennis, and rowing at the Games. With a diverse group of athletes set to compete, Hong Kong is gearing up for a strong showing at the Paris Olympics.