Explainer | Why Hong Kong’s fastest marathon runner was exiled by athletics chiefs
How a sponsorship deal and a switch of accommodation spiralled into a stand-off between Wong Wan-chun and the HKAAA
The ongoing exile of distance runner Wong Wan-chun from the Hong Kong athletics team began after decisions he made about sponsorship and World University Games accommodation.
His relations with the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) soured to the extent that communication broke down in the lead-up to last year’s Olympics in Paris, from which Wong was absent.
Why Wong’s status matters
Without HKAAA approval, Wong, 29, cannot receive backing from the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), the taxpayer-financed body overseeing support of the city’s athletes through funding, facilities and expertise.
Some HK$9.8 million (US$1.26 million) was expected to be paid to 115 track and field athletes in 2024-25.
A divisive deal
Wong’s rift with the HKAAA opened after he secured a deal with mainland-based sportswear company Li-Ning.