Team YP’s favourite sports stars of 2016

I loved the story “HK rower excels at Australian Open” (March 25). I think a lot of people assume that, because Hong Kong is a small place, and people tend to be so focused on exam results, our athletes can’t really compete at international level. Chan Chi-fung proved that assumption wrong when he snatched gold at the Australian Open Rowing Championships in March. His story serves as an important reminder that stereotypes can be broken, and anything is possible if you really want it.
Karly Cox, Deputy editor

I really enjoyed the story, “2015 SOTY Sportsperson runner-up describes rhythmic gymnastics as intense and beautiful” (September 20), because I love the quiet and graceful strength of gymnasts. Their sport is less loud and explosive than other sports, but the hours they put into perfecting every twirl and leap is just as admirable. The story also brought back fond memories of the Student of the Year award ceremony, and watching Ivy Liu Hoi-yan’s stunning performance.
Heidi Yeung, Web sub-editor

My favourite sports story for 2016 is “Ping pong princess Ding Ning: a silver star in London becomes the golden girl of Rio” (August 30).

It’s easy for people to give up after they don’t win when they expect that they will. Even though she was beaten by world champion Li Xiaoxia at the London Olympics, table tennis player Ding Ning didn’t give up, and instead trained harder than ever before – and she went on to become this year’s Olympic champion. Her perseverance is really inspiring.
Tiffany Choi, Junior reporters’ manager

It’s got to be Siobhan Haughey, the Hong Kong swimmer at this year’s Olympic Games (“Swimmer Siobhan Haughey makes Olympic history for Hong Kong at Rio Olympics”, August 10). I can’t swim very well at the best of times so I’m already in awe of anyone who can, and to be swimming at the age of 18 at an Olympic-level – that’s more than a little impressive. I wish I had that sort of drive and determination at that age. AND she completed her first year of university at the same time? Awe-inspiring.
Ginny Wong, Sub-editor

I really loved “CIS rugby star Madeleine Witt doesn’t like being told she’s not good enough, so she made sure she made it on the national team” (December 4). Madeline was told she wasn’t good enough, and I think that’s a common phrase for Hong Kong students to hear or think about themselves. Madeline’s grit, determination, and downright stubbornness to accept that (and prove everyone wrong by going on to make the national team!) resonates with me – there’s nothing like being told you can’t do something to motivate you to get it done!
Lucy Christie, Sub-editor

Women’s rugby is pretty low-key in Hong Kong but all that could change soon. The city’s victory in the first-ever Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship in Dubai (“Friendship key to Hong Kong’s victory in Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship”, December 8) will hopefully inspire more young girls to take up the sport and compete at the highest level. The championship was held on the sidelines of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament.

Perhaps in the future women’s rugby competitions will be popular enough to stand on their own, and attract the crowds and sponsors that they deserve.
M.J. Premaratne, Sub-editor

My favourite sports story is the one about backstroke expert Toto Wong Kwan-to (“It’s perfect swimming form on the day that helps Diocesan Girls’ School’s Toto Wong break records”, November 15) . The backstroke is the hardest of the lot because you can’t see where you’re going. Toto is always so humble and cheerful. But when she competes, her fighting spirit really shines through. Hers is a truly inspirational story.
Ben Pang, Reporter

I enjoyed reading the Student of the Year story, “Lost in the woods: Hong Kong orienteering star Harmony Lam tells us about the terror and triumphs of her sport” (December 6). Orienteering is a lesser-known sport, and as mentioned in the story, it’s much more than just a walk in the park. After reading what Harmony has to say about it, I’m more than a little tempted to take on the sport myself!
Young Wang, Web reporter