Ryan Choi ready for National Games after break
Ryan Choi plans to recharge first before taking on the National Games in November. Photo: RTHK
Fresh off making history for Hong Kong, China, fencing star Ryan Choi said his World Championships triumph has steeled his confidence for the National Games in November on home soil.
The 27-year-old, however, plans to recharge first before chasing further glory.
Choi cemented his status as world number one, after claiming the SAR's first-ever Fencing World Championships gold medal in Tbilisi, Georgia.
He secured the men's foil title with a decisive victory over Russia's Kirill Borodachev.
On returning to Hong Kong on Monday, Choi said he aims to deliver his best at the National Games, targeting at least a quarter-final finish.
"I think it gives me confidence, but at the same time, I feel less pressured because I got the title I wanted since day one of being a full-time fencer so I feel relieved and I'm happy to compete now," he said.
The world championship crowns a remarkable winning streak for Choi. Having already claimed the title at the Shanghai Foil Grand Prix in May and his first Asian Fencing Championships gold last month, he has secured three major titles consecutively.
"I am very grateful because I believe there are still several fencers who are stronger than me. I still feel that I do not deserve to be world number one, but heaven has given me this opportunity, and I sincerely feel content," Choi said.
"In the past, I might have had to remind myself to be content, but this time, I truly feel it from the heart."
Choi expressed profound gratitude to his family and friends, highlighting his parents' unwavering support for his passion.
He even addressed detractors with a triumphant, "I'm sorry, but I did it!"
Looking ahead, Choi is eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, emphasising team qualification is a key goal.
He acknowledged disappointment in the World Championships team foil event, where his team, including Edgar Cheung, Leung Chin-yu and Lawrence Ng finished seventh despite Choi believing they had top-four potential.
Though the athlete is currently sitting on the top spot, he said he still sees Cheung, who won two consecutive gold medals at the Olympics, as the strongest member of the team.
He said he believes the Hong Kong, China, fencing team will really show its prowess once Cheung recovers from his wrist injury.
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