Tokyo 2020: Vivian Kong ready to ‘embrace 2021 Olympic Games’, reflecting on ‘what matters most’ amid Covid-19 pandemic
- Former world number one epee specialist says Covid-19 has given the world the chance to reflect on what is truly important
- The 26-year-old is ready to work hard towards fulfilling her Olympic dreams by continuing to train hard and compete
For Hong Kong’s world No 7 fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai, the deadly Covid-19 pandemic strikes deeper into the emotions of a human soul than the Olympics ever could.
The epee specialist, considered one of Hong Kong’s genuine medal hopes for the now-postponed Tokyo Games, took a philosophical stance when confronted with the fact that she has to wait an extra year to fulfil her Olympic ambitions.
Rather than lament the heartbreak of possible broken dreams, the former world number one sees postponing the Olympics as an opportunity for reflection – a chance for the world to ponder life’s priorities.
“This pandemic is asking us to ask ourselves what matters most,” Kong said. “Postponing the Olympics gives us time to reflect, heal and learn.”
The 26-year-old, who integrates yoga into her training regime, is one of thousands of athletes around the world coming to terms with the International Olympic Committee’s unprecedented, but expected, decision on Tuesday to postpone the Tokyo Games.
