Swimmer Au weighs heavier torch against lighter responsibility in National Games relay
Olympian Stephanie Au takes third leg of torch relay and ponders her future with LA Games approaching
Hong Kong swimmer Stephanie Au Hoi-shun said the feeling she had taking part in the city’s National Games torch relay on Sunday was “completely different” than being a flag bearer at the Olympics.
The five-time Olympian ran the third leg of the relay alongside Victoria Harbour after collecting the torch from Chinese fencer Sun Yiwen just outside the Legislative Council Complex. She handed it off to Hong Kong Jockey Club chairman Martin Liao.
“I used to think being a torch relay runner and a flag bearer was somewhat similar, but it was not,” said the veteran swimmer, who led the Hong Kong delegation into the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “It was completely different; the torch was really heavy, for one thing.
“I think being the flag bearer was probably more important because you represent the entire city, whereas there were more people taking part in the relay run; hence, the atmosphere was better.
“I am more of a relay person [when it comes to swimming], so I prefer the torch relay more.”
The city’s 50m and 100m backstroke record holder added that it was “really fun” to be a part of the torch relay.