Hong Kong rowing athlete Chiu Hin-chun has become the city’s first winner in a world-class rowing competition as he clinched a gold medal at the Lightweight Men's Single Sculls final on Saturday in the 2024 World Rowing Cup II Lucerne in Switzerland.

The 29-year-old rower crossed the finish line in 7:03:24 to complete the 2,000-meter race ahead of Baptiste Savaete of France, who secured the silver, and Patrick Rocek of Italy, who took the bronze.

This victory marks the first-ever world champion in Hong Kong Rowing history, boosting his confidence as he prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games.

The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung congratulated Chiu’s achievement and praised his outstanding performance.

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“He also wrote a new page in Hong Kong’s rowing history for being the first Hong Kong rowing athlete to gain a gold medal at an international competition. We are proud of his striving spirit," Yeung said.

The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association said on the social media platform Instagram that the local rowing community is “incredibly proud” of Chiu’s achievement.

“This victory marks the first-ever world champion in Hong Kong Rowing history, boosting his confidence as he prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games. The entire Hong Kong Rowing community is incredibly proud of your achievement, Chun!”

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Chiu, who won bronze in the men's single sculls race at last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games, is set to represent team Hong Kong, China to compete in Paris 2024 Olympics.