Winter Olympics skier among three top athletes admitted by HKU

The University of Hong Kong has admitted three top local athletes and offered them each a HK$400,000 scholarship throughout their studies in the university.

One of them Adrian Yung Hau-tsuen, 17, who represented Hong Kong in alpine skiing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, will be joining the Bachelor of Science program.

Young tennis star Coleman Wong Chak-lam, who won two grand slam titles with the US Open boys’ doubles in September last year and Australian Open junior boys' doubles in January, will study for a Bachelor of Business Administration program.

Joining Wong in the BBA program will be Russell Williams Aylsworth, 20, who is a key member of the Hong Kong sailing team that won the silver medal for the 49er Asian Championship last year.

In an online press conference on Tuesday, Yung and Aylsworth shared their academic and career planning, along with how they feel about being admitted to HKU, while Wong shared his sentiments through a pre-recorded video.

All three athletes have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their respective sports fields. Yung is the youngest member of the Hong Kong ski team. He developed an interest in scientific fields including climate change, marine ecology, and sports science.

Yung said he will be pursuing his interest in science while continuing his career in skiing. Yung had been studying in the UK since primary school, he is grateful that “the HK Ski Association gave me the opportunity to come back to HK and experience the HK education system”.

Wong started playing tennis at the age of 5 and has now been in the field for 12 years. As a full-time tennis player, Wong often has to visit foreign countries to participate in tournaments and is currently in Spain.

He said his ultimate goal is to represent Hong Kong in the Olympics and bring glory to the city by winning its first gold medal in tennis.

“I am so pleased that the flexibility of this scheme can allow me to study when I am out of Hong Kong for competitions,” Wong said. 

He understands that balancing studies and sports is not easy, “but with the encouragement from my parents, family, coach, and teammates, I am motivated to face the uncertainty of tomorrow”.

Sailor Aylsworth is also looking forward to studying business at the HKU Business School. “Sailing has taught me the importance of discipline, grit, adaptability, and teamwork,” he said.

Aylsworth believes that the qualities he gained from the sport will help him sail through the rough seas in life. “I am very grateful for the opportunity that HKU has given to Hong Kong Athletes and I will strive to work hard at my studies and push towards Paris 2024. I would love to get involved with the HKU community and share the lessons I’ve learned as an athlete with my fellow peers to create a competitive fun atmosphere for everyone.”

The university’s director of undergraduate admissions and international student exchange, Bennett Yim Chi-kin, introduced the types of support HKU will provide in enabling the athletes to have a fulfilling university experience.

The scholarship of HK$400,000 covers tuition fee waivers, living allowances and residential scholarships, and support for international exchange opportunities. HKU will also provide other support to the athletes, including personal academic advising, flexible learning arrangements, counselling, and physical training.