Hong Kong's medal hopes raised with teen swimmer

Monday, 4 August 2008

HONG KONG - One teenage swimmer from Hong Kong will be making a splash at this year's Beijing Olympics. She is the youngest in the city ever to qualify for three events, raising hopes that the territory may one day improve on its chances of medal glory.

16-year-old Stephanie Au could be mistaken for any other ordinary teenage girl – that is, until she takes to the pool.

Slicing her way through the water, she has already made waves, breaking local records to qualify for this year's 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres Olympic B standard in freestyle.

Her coach of eight years is not surprised that she has come so far.

Cheung Tak-yung said: "Even though it's hard training, she's able to endure it. Some athletes have talent, but they can't endure the hardship. Two qualities are important – talent and mental stamina."

A full-time student, Au trains two hours a day after school, and doubles-up on that during vacation time. To help her prepare for the Beijing Games, she also did a summer training stint in the mainland.

"I was very focused in China. Here in Hong Kong, there are more distractions – mobile texting, surfing on the internet. It was more regimented in terms of training and resting," said Au.

And it seems the effort has paid off.

In a recent local Amateur Association Championship meet, Au managed to set a new record for the 1,500-metre race. She credits her coach for her improvement.

"He's very attentive, very meticulous, knows my lifestyle in detail. He makes sure that I get enough rest, sleep and training," she said.

Au is most confident in the 400-metre freestyle and she's hoping to improve on her own personal best in Beijing.

And if medal glory is elusive this round, Au's coach believes that the Olympic experience will be invaluable for her plunge the next time.

Swimming is clearly in the spotlight at the Beijing Olympics for Hong Kong. Apart from Au's efforts in three separate events, Hong Kong is also banking on 100-metre star Hannah Wilson and backstroke champion Sherry Tsai.