Hong Kong's Central Harbourfront has long been one of the city's most iconic open spaces, a meeting point of sea, sky and steel. But last weekend, it transformed into a dynamic sporting arena as the triathlon events of the 15th National Games took over the waterfront.

With crowds lining the promenade and athletes slicing through the blue waters of Victoria Harbour, the familiar skyline seemed to vibrate with a rare intensity.

The two-day competition crowned champions in the men's and women's individual races as well as the mixed relay.

The course offered a striking journey through the heart of the city: a 1.5-kilometer swim, starting from the temporary Wan Chai waterfront park, a 37.8km bike ride past landmarks such as the Hong Kong SAR Government Headquarters and the Legislative Council Complex, and a 10km run that followed the waterfront before finishing beside the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

Few triathlons anywhere in the world unfold against such a spectacular urban panorama.

The women's race opened the weekend's events. Sichuan athlete Lin Xinyu, who achieved a historic 28th-place finish for China at the Paris Olympics, took an early lead during the cycling segment. Yet the run shifted the momentum: Huang Anqi from the Sports Association of Public Security team overtook Lin and held her advantage to win the gold medal with a 55-second lead, leaving Lin with silver.

The roar of the spectators left a deep impression on Huang. "The course and environment were excellent, and the spectators were incredibly enthusiastic, which motivated me even more," she said. "This time, it felt like the entire course was surrounded by spectators. Their energy was far beyond what we usually experience, and it made me even more excited."

Lin, a frequent competitor in Hong Kong, said the city felt like a lucky place for her. "The volunteers and officials were very dedicated, and all the athletes' needs were catered to. I had a really wonderful experience," she said.

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For many athletes, the race offered a chance to see Hong Kong from an entirely new perspective.

Victoria Harbour may be described as Hong Kong's most beautiful horizon, but for athletes, swimming directly across its waters remains an extraordinary privilege.

Hong Kong representative Hilda Choi said the race felt surreal.

"Central has many iconic buildings. Normally, people come here to walk, picnic, relax, or even run along the waterfront. But I never imagined we'd get to swim in Victoria Harbour."

She explained that training there is nearly impossible due to strong winds and constant marine traffic, but racing with the skyscrapers rising on both sides created an experience she said no other city could replicate.

Similar admiration came from Henan athlete Fan Junjie, who took the men's gold medal. "I've raced in Hong Kong many times, and the scenery here is stunning, especially around Central and Victoria Harbour," he said.

"I really hope I can come back again to cycle here."

Hong Kong's Oscar Coggins added to the excitement, snagging bronze for the home team in the men's race. He then joined Bailee Brown, Robin Elg and Cade Wright to win silver in the mixed relay the following day.

Competing at home, he said, was a moment of pride. "I hope this venue will be used continuously for triathlon events in Hong Kong and for people who want to get involved in the sport, or even just continue to watch," he said.

Reflecting on the relay, he added: "The mixed relay event is special because it's the only chance where you get to compete and celebrate as a team. My teammates have put in a really strong performance to make that result possible."

The Hong Kong relay team had trained at high altitude in Yunnan province for five weeks, preparation that brought it within just 11 seconds of beating defending champion Shandong.

Brown said that racing in front of home supporters brought both pressure and joy.

"I was nervous before the race because competing in Hong Kong added extra pressure — we didn't want to let the home crowd down. We love this city and want to make it proud," she said. "We are thrilled to win a medal, the color doesn't matter to us!"

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Among all the athletes, one story, particularly, resonated — that of Macao triathlete Hoi Long. She lost her hearing at five months old due to a medical accident, yet for decades she has carved out a place for herself in a sport defined by discipline, resilience and mental endurance. Hoi learned to communicate by reading lips and has built a life balancing full-time work and elite athletic training.

She has competed in triathlon, long-distance running and cycling, winning Macao's first triathlon medal at the Asian Games with a bronze in 2018. In Hong Kong, she finished eighth in the women's individual race and left the event satisfied with her performance.

By Sunday, the triathlon had become part of Victoria Harbour itself — athletes pushing through water and pavement as the skyline rose around them. For a moment, sport and city merged, writing another chapter in the history of Hong Kong's iconic cityscape.