Inspirational Fung Ying-ki makes it back-to-back wins in the Hong Kong Marathon 10km Wheelchair race

Fung Ying-ki made it back-to-back- triumphs in the 10km wheelchair race Sunday and said afterwards he hoped his achievements would continue to inspire more Hongkongers to follow his lead.

“For as long as I can I will keep competing and I hope this will inspire more wheelchair athletes,” said Fung, who crossed in 28 minutes and 51 seconds. “Each year we are seeing more competitors in these kinds of races and this is encouraging for all of us, and for those who might not have tried racing before.”

This year’s edition of the race was strengthened by the presence of a number of Guangzhou-based athletes with Chen Xiaochun and He Zitai filling out the placings behind Fung and keeping the pressure on their Hong Kong rival from start to finish.

“It was harder for me today but I enjoyed the challenge they gave me,” said the 35-year-old Fung. “It was slippery for everyone, and fast, but I only had one problem - when I hit a curb and almost tumbled. But it was great to have everyone cheering and I hope to be back next year and to see an even bigger field.”

A five-time Paralympic gold medal-winning fencer, Fung turned to wheelchair racing in 2006 and was the first wheelchair athlete to complete the full marathon course, when he competed in the event’s 2012 edition. He won the wheelchair half-marathon in 2013 and says these days while the competitive fire has been tempered somewhat he is still driven by desire.

MORE: Read all of our Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2016 coverage here

“To be honest, it is not so much about the competition for me anymore,” Fung revealed. “It really doesn’t matter who wins. I just want to encourage disabled people to join in, and to show them can be possible. That’s how I see myself these days – just as someone who wants to help.”