HKU wins the race for three elite athletes

The University of Hong Kong has admitted three top local athletes on scholarships of HK$400,000.

They include Adrian Yung Hau-tsuen, 17, who represented Hong Kong in alpine skiing at the recent Winter Olympics and will be reading science.

Tennis star Coleman Wong Chak-lam, who aced it with two Grand Slam titles in the form of the US Open boys' doubles in September and the Australian Open junior boys' doubles in January, will read business administration.

Joining Wong will be Russell Williams Aylsworth, 20, a key member of the Hong Kong sailing team that won silver at the 49er Asian Championship last year.

Yung and Aylsworth shared their academic and career plans online yesterday, while Wong shared his sentiments via a prerecorded video.

Yung, the youngest member of the Hong Kong ski team, is reading science because of his interests in climate change, marine ecology, and sports science.

He will be engaged in scientific pursuits while trying to make further tracks in skiing.

Yung, who had been studying in the UK since primary school, said he was grateful that "the HK Ski Association gave me the opportunity to come back to HK and experience the HK education system."

Wong started hitting the courts at the age of five and as a full-time player, often has to go overseas to pit himself against foreign talents in tournaments and is currently in Spain.

His ultimate goal is to represent Hong Kong in the Olympics and win the city's 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."

Aylsworth is looking forward to attending classes at HKU Business School, saying "sailing has taught me the importance of discipline, grit, adaptability, and teamwork."

Aylsworth believes the qualities he gained from the sport will help him sail through the rough seas of 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 toward 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."

Undergraduate admissions and international student exchange director Bennett Yim Chi-kin said the scholarship covers tuition fee waivers, living allowances and residential scholarships, and support for international exchange opportunities. HKU will also provide personal academic advising, flexible learning arrangements, counselling and physical training.