Hong Kong's Chan Yui-lam brought the city's first 2024 Paris Paralympics medal with a silver in the women’s S14 100m butterfly.
The 20-year-old set an Asian record of 1:03.70 and won her first Paralympic Games medal on the first day of competition in which Great Britain’s Poppy Maskill took the gold with a world record of 1:03.00. Valeriia Shabalina of Russia, competing under a neutral banner, was third with 1:04.4.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Chan's “silver medal is well-deserved, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of Hong Kong athletes with disabilities. All Hong Kong people and I are thrilled and proud of her.”
He added that he hopes the Hong Kong, China delegation will continue to achieve remarkable results in other events and unleash their potential to win honors for Hong Kong.
Many other local officials and lawmakers also congratulated Chan, highlighting her swimming talent, dedication to training and unparalleled strength.
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Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said that Chan’s medal has raised spirits and set the Hong Kong team up with a good start.
Leung described Chan's story of perseverance and determination following the Tokyo Paralympics, where she narrowly missed a medal, as a source of inspiration for all Hong Kong residents.
He said that Hong Kong athletes participating in the Paralympics exhibit unwavering determination and resilience. They deserve continuous applause and support regardless of the team's results, he added.
Secretary for Culture Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said, "Chan Yui-Lam performed outstandingly and displayed her unparalleled strength. I believe Hong Kong citizens shared the joy as well."
Chan will also be competing in other swimming events, including freestyle and backstroke, at the Paralympics.
In recent years, Chan won gold medals in women's 100m butterfly S14 and women's 100m backstroke S14 at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
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The Paris Games is Chan’s second Paralympics. She was the Hong Kong, China delegation’s youngest athlete at 17 at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, according to the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee. Chan came in fourth in the 100m butterfly event that year.
The Paris Paralympics takes place from Aug 28 to Sept 8, with 22 events being held and approximately 4,400 athletes from around the world participating.
This year, Hong Kong sent 23 athletes to compete in eight major events, including badminton, table tennis, wheelchair fencing, archery, swimming, athletics, and equestrian. At the Tokyo Paralympics, the city won two silver and three bronze medals.
