One more chance to shine for calm, focused Cheung

It's not over yet - so declares Olympic gold medalist Edgar Cheung Ka-long as he aims to snatch another medal in the team foil fencing event on Sunday.

With the hard-fought gold in individual foil fencing in the bag, the 24-year-old said he is staying humble and concentrating on the team's upcoming bouts.

"It is time for me to get myself together once again as there is a team event coming up. I would like to stand on the podium with my brothers," Cheung said.

"The most important thing I have to do now is to stay humble. I have to avoid being arrogant after the success in the individual event."

Cheung said he is well aware sponsors are lining up and he is in line for a lot of prize money, but he stressed now is not the time to think of those as his focus is solely on his team, which includes Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Lawrence Ng Lok-wang and Shawn Cheung Siu-lun.

Cheung's gold is worth at least HK$7.5 million in cash, including HK$2.5 million from the Lam Tai Fai Charitable Foundation -which sponsors his alma mater Lam Tai Fai College, Sha Tin - and the HK$5 million for gold medalists under the elite athletes performance recognition scheme.

One thing that's making him tense, however, is his skyrocketing number of fans.

"I am not used to having every eye on me as I am a bit shy," Cheung said. "I also did not expect the Olympics to be so cohesive. I got goosebumps when I saw so many Hong Kong citizens watching the live broadcast, supporting me. I am so grateful."

Cheung admits being only the second gold medalist from Hong Kong has yet to fully sink in.

"The gold medal was so heavy after I got hold of it. It was unbelievable. And the medal is so nice," he said.

"The Hong Kong team has not won a gold medal for so long and that might have taken a toll on athletes' confidence. This gold medal proves the capability of Hong Kong athletes. The most important thing is not to give up and to work hard."

Cheung admitted that the one-year delay of the Tokyo Olympics might have done him a favor as he was not in his best form - physically and mentally - last year, when he had a bit of a temper.

His father, Cheung Tsz-lun, said his son went through a low point in his life before developing a calmness.

Being a former basketball player, the older Cheung gave his son advice on how to adjust his mentality during competitions.

"Edgar wins by being very self-disciplined. For example, if he sees that his sugar level is too high, he will automatically cut his sugar intake. He also knows exactly what he wants. These are what led him to victory," the father said.

A family reunion may have to wait until September as Cheung is set to compete in the China National Games. But the father already knows what he is going to do that day - cook abalone and okra, Cheung's favorites - to welcome him home.

Cheung's determination was evident when he was young. His sports teacher in secondary school, Luk Chi-shing, said Cheung always woke up early to attend classes even after returning from overseas competitions the night before.

"Even teachers who understand his situation told him to get a shut-eye during class. But he would still try to concentrate - even with sleepy eyes," Luk said.

Lee Lai-shan, Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medalist, said she was thrilled for Cheung.

"I have waited over 20 years. Finally there is [another gold medalist]," she said.

Lee also praised Cheung for being calm throughout and believes he will have a very bright future.

Former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, who is a part-time fencing coach at his alma mater, La Salle College, thanked Cheung for his efforts.

"Cheung Ka-long winning an Olympic gold medal for Hong Kong is a miracle created by many Hongkongers," Tsang wrote on Facebook. "The whole of Hong Kong is proud of you!"