Beyond the gold medal - Insights from an Olympic champion

Alexis pictured with Olympic gold medalist Vivian Kong

Have you ever wondered what it takes to win an Olympic gold medal? Meet fencing champion Vivian Kong from Hong Kong, who reflects on her journey in the sport, including the challenges she’s faced, lessons she’s learnt throughout her career, and wisdom she hopes to pass on to young people.

Early beginnings and challenges

Kong, who has been fencing for 20 years, first picked up the sport as an after-school activity. “It was always something I enjoyed and looked forward to,” she recalls with a smile, but at the time, she didn’t actually consider becoming a full-time athlete. It was after college graduation when her perspective changed. Following a torn ACL at fencing camp, Kong realized her true passion for the sport. While she wasn’t scared of surgery, she was scared of never being able to fence again. That fear, along with the unconditional support from her team motivated her to pursue fencing full-time. When asked how she was able to balance training with school and her social life, Kong expressed how being able to balance was something she always had to do as an athlete, and she stressed the importance of putting things into perspective and having a good mental and physical balance.

Olympic success

Kong’s triumph at the Paris Olympics last year marked a monumental milestone. “Paris was my third Olympic games,” Kong says, “and going into it I felt a lot of stress.” Despite the pressure, she secured Hong Kong’s third ever Olympic gold medal in the Women’s Individual Epee. She says that although sometimes it was hard to find motivation to keep going, she gained strength from witnessing just how much joy, hope and unity sports can bring. “Everyone deserves it, so I am just really grateful,” she adds. 

Reflecting and a new chapter

Looking back on her career, Kong reflects on the discipline and perseverance it takes to be an athlete competing at the highest level. She says she learned how to channel her emotion into actions – “The more I train, the more confident I can be,” she says. In January 2024, Kong decided to take a break from competitive fencing after the Olympics. Inspired by her favorite childhood book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, she now dedicates her time to sports development and charitable work.

Advice

Kong is an inspiring figure to many young athletes in Hong Kong and all over the world. Her advice? “Your love for your sport grows gradually,” and it is important to “try and be your best self.” She hopes that future generations dream big and be happy, healthy and hopeful.