Torch bearers Huang Yaqing (left) and Lan Xingyu jointly light up the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the first Student (Youth) Games of China in Nanning of south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Nov 5, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

NANNING, China - Cheng Cheung-hung, a sprinter from Hong Kong, China, says Asia's fastest man Su Bingtian is his hero, who encouraged him to work hard to step on the world stage one day.

"Su Bingtian created a new Asian record. His super performance definitely earned him the title of 'Su-per', I had the pleasure of shaking his hand, which was a great inspiration," said Cheng after his competition in China's first Student (Youth) Games here on Monday.

Su was the first Chinese to run 100m in under 10 seconds in 2015, followed by Xie Zhenye in 2018. With a personal best of 9.83 seconds in the 100m event, he is the fifth fastest man all-time in the category at the Olympics.

It was truly an enlightening experience for me ... Su (Bingtian) encouraged us to try and challenge ourselves, to break the limit. Combining talent and hard work, we can step on the world stage.

Cheng Cheung-hung, sprinter from Hong Kong, China

Four weeks ago, Su delivered a lecture in Hong Kong when Cheng not only shook hands with his idol, but also was inspired by Su's speech.

"It was truly an enlightening experience for me," recalled Cheng. "Su encouraged us to try and challenge ourselves, to break the limit. Combining talent and hard work, we can step on the world stage."

In the men's 4x100m relay final of the Open category, the Hong Kong team finished fifth in 40.45 seconds on Monday afternoon.

The 19-year-old captain admitted they had room to improve.

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"Maybe compared to other teams, our advantage is not so obvious, so we chose some special strategies. However, the process of competition is a lesson for us. We can learn from others," said Cheng.

Majored in physical therapy, Cheng has well balanced his academic studies and training at Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

"The main thing is to do a good job of time allocation for studying and training."

Through studying physical therapy at university, Cheng gained a deeper understanding of human body structure and conducted scientific analysis of sprinting. He said he can be aware of the change in his physical state now and immediately adjust his training volume based on his knowledge and research

"In the classroom and on the sports field, it's all about learning. We can see the performance of different regional teams through participating in competitions, which is also a learning process," said Cheng.

Through studying physical therapy at university, Cheng gained a deeper understanding of human body structure and conducted scientific analysis of sprinting. He said he can be aware of the change in his physical state now and immediately adjust his training volume based on his knowledge and research.

During the first year of college, he had made significant progress and achieved many accomplishments in various competitions, such as champion at the Annual Athletic Meet (10.80 seconds), runner-up at the 2023 Hong Kong City Athletics Championships (10.73 seconds), the U20 group champion in the 2023 Hong Kong Junior Athletics Championships, and the U20 group champion in the 2023 Hong Kong Athletics Series (10.74 seconds).

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With Su's encouragement, Cheng said he would continue his competitive career in a more diligent and scientific way.

"It would be a great honor to be involved in sports (after graduating from university), to pass on the experience I have learned now to the next generation, and I hope to help the development of sports in Hong Kong," Cheng added.