Cheng Cheung Hung, a rising sprinter from Hong Kong, China, has expressed his admiration and inspiration drawn from Asia’s fastest man, Su Bingtian. Cheng’s encounter with his hero has fueled his ambition to compete on the world stage, reflecting the profound impact of role models in sports.
Su Bingtian, renowned for breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters in 2015, the first Chinese athlete to achieve this feat, has become an iconic figure in Asian athletics. His record of 9.83 seconds in the 100 meters event at the Olympics ranks him as the fifth fastest man in the category historically. This remarkable achievement has earned him the nickname ‘Su-per’ and placed him as an inspiration for upcoming athletes like Cheng.
Cheng’s admiration for Su was further cemented four weeks ago when Su delivered a lecture in Hong Kong. During this event, Cheng not only had the opportunity to shake hands with his idol but also found motivation in Su’s words. Su’s encouragement to challenge limits and combine talent with hard work resonated deeply with Cheng, who aspires to reach similar heights.
In the recent Open category of the men’s 4×100 meters relay final at China’s first Student (Youth) Games, Cheng, as the 19-year-old team captain, led his team to a fifth-place finish. While acknowledging the need for improvement, Cheng viewed the competition as a learning opportunity, gaining insights from other teams’ performances.
Balancing academics and athletics, Cheng is currently majoring in Physical Therapy at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. He believes in effective time management between studies and training. His academic pursuit has complemented his athletic career, offering him a deeper understanding of the human body’s structure and the scientific aspects of sprinting. This knowledge has enabled him to monitor his physical state closely and adjust his training accordingly.
Looking ahead, Cheng aspires to contribute to the development of sports in Hong Kong post-graduation. His goal is to pass on the knowledge and experience he’s gaining now to future generations, playing a part in nurturing upcoming athletes.
Cheng Cheung Hung’s story is a testament to the power of sports icons in shaping the aspirations and careers of young athletes. Inspired by the likes of Su Bingtian, Cheng is not only chasing his dreams on the track but also poised to become a beacon for future athletes in Hong Kong and beyond.
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