The last time Ceci Lee Sze-wing competed at the National Games, she was able to mostly operate in the shadow of Hong Kong Olympian Sarah Lee Wai-sze – not any more.
Both women won gold in Shaanxi in 2021, but while the latter has retired, Ceci Lee is now an Olympian in her own right and will be the face of her city’s cycling challenge on the road and track when the Games come to the Greater Bay Area next month.
Still, while admitting to finding the expectations surrounding her and the team surreal, Ceci Lee said she hoped to make the most of home advantage, with the track events taking place at the Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O.
And while initially upset, she said there was no lasting regret over the need to drop out of the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Chile in three weeks’ time.
“The world championships are the biggest tournament every year after all, but when I rethink it, maybe the coach also thought that we couldn’t have both,” she said. “Even if I go [to Chile], I may not have a chance or a medal.
The Hong Kong cycling squad pose for a photo. Photo: Jonathan Wong
“The National Games remained my biggest target this year, so we want to focus all my energy on the Games. Next year’s world championships will be held in Shanghai, which is much closer for us too.”