Long run for Olympic winner ends in HK
Wang Junxia holds up the gold medal that she won in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Photo: RTHK
Retired Chinese long-distance runner and Olympic gold medallist Wang Junxia has become a Hongkonger through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Wang said she decided to move to Hong Kong as it is an international city that gathers talent from all over the world.
She wishes to contribute to the sports development in Hong Kong.
'Hong Kong is doing well in sports and cultural education," Wang said.
"Although I said I want to promote sports in the city, I also want to learn from Hong Kong through exchanges.
"I hope we can learn from each other, and I will do my best to contribute."
Wang snatched gold in the women's 5,000 metres at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Georgia, becoming the first Chinese athlete to win a Games gold medal in a long-distance race.
Wang's 15-year-old daughter, Huang Danting, who was born and raised in the United States, also said she is excited to become a Hong Kong resident and wants to represent the SAR in competitions in the future.
'I did compete in some races and I got first place in a lot of them," Huang said.
"Because I'm pretty good, so probably someday I can compete for Hong Kong.'
Lawmaker Shang Hailong, the founding president of the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association, said Wang can help local athletes in training.
He added that his association has been offering support to newly arrived talent through job fairs and Cantonese lessons.
'We organised six job fairs in the past two years and helped more than 2,000 families in finding jobs in Hong Kong,' he said.
Shang said the association is confident of attracting more talent to the city.
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