Mainland China and Hong Kong Province Join Forces in Pursuit of Triathlon Success at the Games
Hong Kong athletes are reaping the benefits of training at a high-performance altitude centre in Yunnan, China. The facility, located approximately 1,630 metres above sea level, offers a local high-altitude environment that enhances athletes' physical conditioning without the need to travel to distant locations like the US or Europe.
Key benefits of the centre include improved endurance and adaptability, convenience, customized training support, and strategic preparation for major events. Training at altitude helps athletes increase their aerobic capacity and physiological resilience, crucial for events such as triathlon. The centre's close proximity to Hong Kong and being on the same time zone enables more frequent and flexible training camps.
The Yunnan facility can tailor training programs specifically for Hong Kong athletes, accommodating their unique needs and goals. This strategic preparation is particularly beneficial for important competitions, such as the National Games in November.
Hong Kong’s head coach Andrew Wright and Triathlon Association president Chau Chiu-nam have praised this collaboration, noting it as a significant boost for the athletes’ performance and training efficiency. Notably, athletes like Wong Tsz-to and Hilda Choi Yan-yin are already training at this base.
This access represents a major development because it obviates the logistical challenges and costs of traveling to overseas altitude camps. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Wright's bosses and the Yuxi Municipal Education and Sports Bureau, indicating a commitment to continued collaboration. Coach Andrew Wright expresses intent to utilize the altitude centre regularly for the Hong Kong athletes' training. The centre can provide the athletes with anything they require for their training.
The altitude centre, located in the southwest of China, is not a new construction, implying it may have existed previously. The exact location within Yunnan province is not provided. However, its strategic location and tailored support make it an invaluable resource for Hong Kong athletes aiming to excel in their respective sports.
- The strategic location of the altitude centre in Yunnan, China, provides Hong Kong athletes with an invaluable resource for excelling in sports like football, as they can increase their aerobic capacity and physiological resilience.
- The ongoing collaboration between Hong Kong's sports authorities and the Yuxi Municipal Education and Sports Bureau, as signified by the memorandum of understanding, ensures that champion-level athletes, such as Wong Tsz-to and Hilda Choi Yan-yin, can continue to train effectively and efficiently in the European-leagues-worthy facilities.
- By participating in sports training programs at the high-performance altitude centre, Hong Kong athletes accelerate their adaptation, endurance, and overall preparedness, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of international competitions, including the Champions League and other European leagues.
