A veteran boccia player, John Loung’s journey to Paralympic glory has been marked by years of perseverance and dedication. Loung began playing boccia at the age of six, finding satisfaction in the precision and strategy required by the sport. After being selected for Hong Kong’s boccia team in 1999, Loung, who was born with cerebral palsy, dedicated over two decades to the game, despite facing physical challenges like spasms that often hindered his performance. The Paris 2024 Games were transformative for Loung, as he clinched gold in the men’s individual BC1 event, earning Hong Kong its first medal of the competition. This monumental victory came after years of narrowly missing the podium in Athens, Beijing, and Rio. For Loung, the triumph was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the way he has built on setbacks and left them in the past.

Don’t miss: Breaking barriers: Boccia Paralympian John Loung on success, failure—and going for gold

Annie Cheung’s debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics was nothing short of extraordinary. Competing in the women’s individual and mixed pairs BC4 boccia events, Cheung won two silver medals, cementing her place as one of Hong Kong’s rising stars in the sport.

Diagnosed with arthrogryposis, which affects the joints and limits mobility, Cheung faced a childhood of being seen as “different.” She discovered boccia at the Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School, initially treating it as a hobby before realising its depth and strategic complexity. Overcoming imposter syndrome after early successes, including medals at the Boccia World Championships and the Asian Para Games, Cheung transitioned to a professional career. 

Don’t miss: First-time Paralympian Annie Cheung on facing imposter syndrome and discovering her true potential

King Tse Tak-wah’s two-decade career in boccia reached its pinnacle at the Paris 2024 Games, where he won gold in the mixed pairs BC3 event alongside Ho Yuen-kei.

Tse started playing boccia in school, initially approaching the sport casually, but found a passion for competition when he represented his school at an inter-school tournament. “I developed a strong desire to defeat my opponents; whenever I scored a point or won a match, I felt a tremendous sense of success and accomplishment. That’s what motivated me to continue pursuing this sport,” he told Tatler in an interview for the December 2024 cover story.

Tse credits his transformation from a recreational player to a Paralympic champion to the support of Hong Kong’s para-athlete programme, which allowed him to train full-time.

Known for his meticulous attention to strategy and relentless work ethic, Tse’s philosophy is clear: success comes from persistence, not luck. Now 38, Tse is determined to inspire the next generation of athletes while aiming for continued success in international competitions.

Now read: Hong Kong Paralympic boccia gold medallist King Tse Tak-wah on rising to the top

Ho Yuen-kei’s dual gold medal victories in the women’s individual BC3 event and the mixed pairs BC3 event at Paris 2024 solidified her status as one of Hong Kong’s most accomplished Paralympians. Growing up facing significant health challenges, Ho initially saw boccia as a way to fill a gap in her physical education but soon realised her talent. Her first major win came at the 2009 Asian Youth Para Games, where she clinched gold.

Ho is not just an athlete but also an advocate for disability inclusion, having launched initiatives such as a website for wheelchair-friendly venues and plans for an NGO to foster social integration. Her journey exemplifies resilience, proving that a supportive community and personal determination can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Now read: Beyond the gold medals: What Paralympic boccia player Ho Yuen-kei wants for Hong Kong’s sports development

At just 14 years old, Jasmine Ng Cheuk Yan became the youngest Paralympic medallist in Hong Kong’s history with her bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke SB6 event at Paris 2024. Ng lives with hypochondroplasia, which affects her stature and mobility, and began swimming at three as a way to stay active. Despite finding it physically demanding, she discovered a passion for challenging herself and improving her speed.

Recruited to Hong Kong’s Paralympic team at the age of nine, Ng trains rigorously, balancing schoolwork with six-day training schedules. Her record-breaking performance in Paris reflects her focus and positive mindset. Ng’s journey is a beacon of hope for young athletes, proving that age and physical limitations are no barriers to achieving greatness.

Don’t miss: Swimmer Jasmine Ng Cheuk Yan on how she became the youngest Hong Kong Paralympic medallist in Paris

Leung Yuk-wing is one of Hong Kong’s most experienced and decorated Paralympians, competing in his sixth Paralympic Games at Paris 2024. With a career spanning over two decades, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in boccia, a sport requiring precision, strategy, and focus. Since his double gold-medal debut at the Athens 2004 Paralympics, Leung has continued to shine on the world stage, earning multiple medals, including a silver in Paris in the mixed pairs BC4 event with Annie Cheung.

Leung is now known as a mentor within the Hong Kong boccia team, he dedicates time to supporting younger athletes, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. Now 40, Leung remains committed to his sport and has set an ambitious goal to compete in 10 Paralympic Games, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue their dreams.

Now read: Eyes on gold: Six-time Paralympian Leung Yuk-wing on the importance of pursuing your dreams

Daniel Chan Ho-yuen has defined para-badminton in Hong Kong, consistently ranking among the world’s best since 2011. A passionate badminton player from a young age, he overcame significant challenges to become Hong Kong’s first professional para-badminton athlete, building the sport’s infrastructure from the ground up. Chan’s dedication and leadership have resulted in a series of remarkable achievements, including a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a silver at Paris 2024.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Chan is celebrated for his professionalism, discipline, and ability to inspire others. Having retired from international competition after Paris, he now focuses on mentoring young athletes and advocating for inclusivity in sports, leaving a legacy of excellence and leadership for the next generation.

Don’t miss: Paralympic silver medallist and Hong Kong’s only para-badminton professional athlete Daniel Chan Ho-Yuen on overcoming professional challenges

Swimmer Chan Yui-lam won silver in the women’s 100m butterfly S14 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, breaking her own Asian record with a time of 1:03.70 and establishing her as one of Hong Kong’s leading athletes.

Chan’s swimming career began at age 10, and her dedication to training has led her to multiple successes, including becoming the most decorated Hong Kong athlete at the 4th Asian Para Games in 2023, where she earned two gold and three silver medals. With a focus on constant improvement, Chan works closely with her coach to refine her techniques and enhance her performance. Now 21, she is determined to break the world record in her event and continues to inspire others by showcasing the power of perseverance and goal-setting.

Don’t miss: Hong Kong swimmer Chan Yui-lam reflects on the journey towards her Paralympic silver medal

Every Thursday, Science of Success takes a deep dive into the principles and practices that drive accomplishment across industries. Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and actionable advice, the series offers a window into the journeys of high achievers. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical strategies to advance your own goals, Science of Success is your guide to unlocking potential and reaching new heights.

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