Hong Kong hurdles record holder joins first-ever FISU World University Games

Chloe Pak Hoi-man, a 19-year-old student at the University of Hong Kong's medical school, holds the records for the U18 and U20 categories in the 100-meter hurdles in Hong Kong. This year marks her inaugural participation in the FISU World University Games.

Pak, a distinguished graduate of Diocesan Girls' School, achieved an impressive score of 37 points in her Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) despite opting not to sit for one subject's examination to compete in the Asian Youth Games last year.

Having enrolled in HKU Med through the Top Athlete Direct Admission Scheme, Pak expressed no regrets about joining her last Asian Youth Games and winning one gold medal in the relay race. 

Pak's aspiration to pursue a career in medicine was influenced by a summer activity at Queen Mary Hospital during her secondary education; however, her commitment to the sport of hurdling has proven to be more enduring. 

Notably, her unexpected victory at the Asian U18 Athletics Championships in 2022, where she earned her first gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles, served as confirmation of her abilities and motivated her to aim higher.

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Since her first year of secondary school, Pak has trained under the guidance of the renowned retired hurdler Tang Hon-sing. Throughout her athletic career, she has set three records in the U18 hurdles, two records in the U20 hurdles, and evened Li Tsz-to's Hong Kong U20 record in the 100-meter dash.

Participating in her first-ever FISU World University Games in Germany, Pak aimed to break her personal record in the 100m dash and 100m hurdle. 

Most athletes like to listen to music and watch TV dramas for relaxation, Pak is no exception. 

Not only a fan of the Korean dramas "Dr. Romantic" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call", Pak also revealed her favoritism for listening to the English band Coldplay and watching Korean medical dramas during her spare time.

It was never easy to be a student-athlete. While other students were playing after school, Pak was always in training. 

Not only did she never complain about the burden, but Pak also enjoyed being a student and an athlete at the same time.

(Natasha Ng)