Sole crusader helps Vivian shine

Ayra Wang

A former Adidas employee hoarded over 50 pairs of fencing shoes worldwide for Vivian Kong after learning that the manufacturer stopped its production years ago, it was revealed yesterday.

Kong was wearing a pair of those Adidas fencing shoes at the Olympics.

Sports shoes blogger Leung Wan-pun said the white-and-orange Fencing Pro was discontinued years ago.

"The brand announced it would stop producing the shoes years ago, and an employee of Adidas HK at that time bought [many pairs in] Kong's size around the world and gave them to her," he said.

Leung said the number of pairs was over 50 and that "thanks to that, Kong could keep wearing the shoes until now, including [in the finals]."

It is understood that the shoes were discontinued six years ago.

Leung later said that he was told by Adidas employees that the company has resumed the production of fencing shoes, and Kong is welcome to order the shoes from it directly.

"The employee may be just an ordinary wage earner, but he or she showed the spirit of Hong Kong that an 'extra' can also play an important role," an online user said.

Some suggested that Adidas award the employee while Leung responded that the worker had already left the company.

Some also asked if the former employee was Kong's friend, and Leung responded that "the most important thing for a sports brand is to make athletes a priority."

Another online commenter urged people not to rush to buy fencing shoes if they just want to wear them for a run or as casual wear.

"Fencing shoes are suitable for use on indoor plastic flooring or metal fencing tracks, and they will be worn out if people walk them out twice," he said.

Meanwhile, Adidas posted on its social media platforms yesterday, congratulating Kong on winning a gold medal.

The brand also posted Kong on billboards on the exterior walls of the Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre to support her quest.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com