Hong Kong 4x100m hero So Chun-hong targets Rio Olympics after seizing Asian Games chance

“Chances are only available for those who have prepared”, says So Chun-hong, a new member of the Hong Kong men’s 4x100 metre relay team in Incheon, who won their first Asian Games track and field medal in 60 years.

After a disastrous heat, no-one would have expected the team to perform in the final – except So, a last-minute addition to the quartet.

So had a poor run in the 100 metres heat when he finished in 10.89 seconds, far below his personal best of 10.46.

But after Lai Chun-ho was injured in the 4x100 heat, 21-year-old was drafted in to replace him – and So ended up a medal winner.

Hong Kong finished third in their heat with a terrible time of 45.34 seconds after Lai pulled his thigh during the race – but they still qualified due to the withdrawal of one team and disqualification of another. In the final, they set a seasonal best of 38.98 seconds to capture bronze.

“I was very disappointed with my performance in the 100 metres, but knowing there was still the relay ahead, I had to make a quick recovery,” said So. “Although I am only the fifth member of the squad, I still have the chance in case of anything unexpected happening and that’s why I have to keep focused.

“We have been training together since this year with the Asian Games as the target. It doesn’t matter which four are being taken to the field.”