It was one of those magical moments that only rowing can produce: In a thrilling race, Hin Chun celebrated a historic victory at the LUCERNE REGATTA last May. In the lightweight single sculls, he beat off a strong field to win the gold medal; it was the first ever World Cup victory in the history of Hong Kong rowing and a significant personal milestone for the 30-year-old Hong Kong Chinese.
Hin Chun, you have had an extraordinary season: World Cup medal in Lucerne, Olympic Games and competitions around the globe. How are you feeling?
(laughs) If you ask me like that: tired! But above all happy and grateful for all the great experiences.
Let’s take another look back at last summer: Can you tell us how you experienced your competition day at the LUCERNE REGATTA?
The whole experience was of course incredible and simply fantastic. But before the competition, there was nothing to suggest that I could achieve something historic.
What do you mean by that?
In the nine years I’ve been rowing professionally, I’ve never achieved anything comparable. I’ve improved steadily, but I’ve hardly ever come close to medaling. That’s why I went into the competition with ambition, but without the expectation of being able to compete at the front.
Was this light-heartedness perhaps even decisive for your race?
Yes, that’s exactly how it was. I had nothing to lose and just rowed freely.
Did you realize during the race that you could win?
Not immediately. My strategy was to be brave in the first quarter and go all out. When I was ahead after a quarter of the course, I sensed that a medal could be in the cards. In the final quarter, I suddenly realized: today is the day!
What was the moment like when you crossed the finish line first?
It can’t really be described in words; it was just incredibly beautiful! For that one moment, I felt like I owned the whole world. The fact that I was able to achieve this milestone for Hong Kong and especially for rowing there is fantastic.
The course in Lucerne is one of your favorite courses. Why is that?
The Rotsee is one of the fairest venues. By that I mean that the location of the lake practically eliminates the wind as a factor. And also, the lake itself: It might sound a bit strange to non-rowers, but the water here feels special here – somehow perfect for rowing.
Lucerne is of particular importance in your career anyway, right?
That is true. I did my first World Cup race in Lucerne in 2015. I performed pretty badly and was very emotional afterwards. At the same time, I realized at that moment how much it takes to be at the top and win. This experience shaped and motivates me to this day.
You are now a Rotsee-winner and competed in your second Olympic Games this summer. How was that experience?
The atmosphere at the Olympic Games is like nothing else. In contrast to the Games in Rio 2016, this time I didn’t just feel like a participant, but a real competitor. The experience I gained and the victory in Lucerne contributed to this new self-confidence. It was also wonderful that I was able to share this experience with my family – for the first time ever, they were able to accompany me in Europe.
In Paris, you had to compete in the open single as the lightweight single is not an Olympic event. From 2028 onwards, lightweight rowing as a whole will no longer be Olympic, do you regret that?
Every sport has to keep developing if it wants to stay up to date. If you stand still, the quality of the sport will not improve. In this respect, I have no regrets and am open to the beach sprints replacing the lightweight single sculls.
Let’s go back to your roots. You started your athletic career as a windsurfer. How did this experience shape your rowing career?
I started windsurfing when I was nine years old. I think that allowed me to develop a good feel for the water, which also helps me with rowing today. On the other hand, even as a windsurfer I learned what it means to be an athlete – for example, sacrificing free time, accepting strict training regimes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Last question: As you know, Lucerne is bidding for the 2027 World Rowing Championships. Could you imagine taking part there – also with a view to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles?
Oh, wow (laughs)! These two events are still far too far in the future. My focus is currently on the Chinese national championships in November and the 2026 Asian Games. But I can say one thing for sure: Lucerne will always have a special place in my heart – and I will always be happy to come back.
written by Ismail Osman.
