Diving queen's 'king' looks to BMX success

Kenneth Fok,deputy head of Hong Kong's delegation, waves during the opening ceremony of Asian Games. [Liu Dawei/Xinhua]

Guangzhou - Kenneth Fok, deputy-head of Hong Kong's delegation at the Asian Games, is perhaps better known as the boyfriend of China's "diving queen," Guo Jingjing.

Fok is also an enthusiastic proponent of BMX cycling, and hopes the event will be a showcase for Hong Kong at the 2012 London Olympics.

"BMX cycling is very popular in Hong Kong and we have the top cyclist in this event. As a young man, I like this kind of extreme sport, and I am looking forward to good news from the BMX venue in Guangzhou," Fok said.

The rider who convinced Fok of his golden potential in BMX is Steven Wong, who cemented his legacy as one of the biggest names in the sport by clinching his fifth straight title at the fifth Asian BMX Championships on Oct 1 in the Republic of Korea.

The 22-year-old Wong has a near-perfect record of success against Asian rivals. The only blemish came at the Chinese National Games last year, when a sudden malfunction of his bicycle in the final round cost him the gold medal.

"Wong will be our hot favorite for the gold medal in Guangzhou," said Fok. "And as BMX joined the Olympic Games in Beijing, I believe the event will become more and more popular in China and Wong will also be a chance to win glory in London in 2012."

Fok will also keep close tabs on the diving events at the Asian Games, although his girlfriend, Guo, is enjoying a break from competition after taking part in the East Asian Games last December.

"I will watch the diving competition because I like that event, no matter who competes," said Fok.

"But as the deputy head this time, I care about all the events in which Hong Kong is competing - not only diving and BMX, but gymnastics, wushu and table tennis.

"If you want me to give a gold medal prediction, I will just say, 'As many as possible'."

China Daily