Macao contestant Hoi Long had participated for four successive Asian Games and had ranked the 4th and 5th brilliantly in the women's individual triathlon event in the Guangzhou Asian Games and Incheon Asian Games respectively. In the 18th Asian Games held in Indonesia, she fulfilled her wish as she finally became among the best three contestants, winning the third place with the result of 2 hours 01 minute 28 seconds. Hoi Long won the first medal in the triathlon event for the Macao delegation.
Challenging Triathlon in Palembang City
The triathlon event was held in Palembang City. Contestants had to finish swimming along a route which was in total 1.5 km in length, 40 km cycling and 10 km running race. As she had improved her swimming skills substantially, Ho Long was the fifth earliest one who finished the swimming section. After that, in the cycling part, she caught up with the second group. In the final running part, Hoi Long caught up with seven contestants despite the scorching weather. Eventually, she only lagged behind the second-place contestant, Zhong Meng Ying from China by a margin of 12 seconds, winning the third place with the result of 2 hours 01 minute and 28 seconds. Japanese contestant Yuko Takahashi won the champion title with 1 hour 59 minutes and 29 seconds.
No regrets for Making Full Efforts in Asian Games
Hoi Long made full efforts in this Asian Games. Upon the completion of the contest, she was deprived of all energy and collapsed; she needed rest for a while in the medical treatment room. Hoi Long stated that her objective for this Asian Games was to compete persistently and show no regrets. “In the final 1.5 km section, she felt effortless and could not maintain her posture when running, but when seeing a Chinese contestant was speeding up to catch up, I persevered and kept up until I reached the destination.
Staring at Macao's regional flag rising gradually in the triathlon arena, Loi Long stirred up feelings. She still remembered to showing gratitude to her family, the Sports Bureau, China Macao Triathlon General Association and various public supporters for their prolonged support, so that she could focus on the preparation for the competition. This bronze medal from the Asian Games was indeed Hoi Long's accomplishment for her persistent efforts.
