Paris Olympics 2024: Vivian Kong retires from professional fencing

Hong Kong's celebrated fencer, Vivian Kong Man-wai, announced her retirement from professional fencing on Sunday, following her gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kong, who clinched the top spot in the women's epee event by defeating French favorite Auriane Mallo-Breton, shared her decision to retire in a heartfelt message to her "fencing family" on social media.

"After competing in my third Olympics, I have decided to take a break from professional fencing," Kong wrote. "I look forward to starting a new career and working towards establishing my own charity to bring joy and playfulness back into sports for kids."

Returning to Hong Kong on Thursday, Kong expressed her intention to use her prize money to set up a charity fund or social enterprise aimed at supporting children. The 30-year-old fencer, who is currently ranked number one in the world, has been in the sport for nearly two decades, achieving her Olympic triumph despite suffering two torn cruciate ligaments in recent years.

Patrick Yung, an orthopaedics and traumatology professor who treated Kong, spoke to local broadcaster RTHK, stating that her retirement was likely not due to her past knee injuries. "The Vivian I know, besides promoting fencing, has done a lot to encourage sports and positive thinking among the general public, particularly young people; I believe she will continue with those efforts," Yung said.

Eric Chan, Hong Kong's chief secretary, expressed hopes that Kong would consider becoming a coach to help nurture future fencing talent in Hong Kong. In addition to her illustrious sporting career, Kong has pursued academic excellence, studying international relations at Stanford University and earning a master's degree in law from Renmin University of China. She was also admitted to the juris doctor program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2021.