Hong Kong China Rowing Association

After 20 years as a member of the Hong Kong Rowing Team, top female athlete Lee Ka Man has announced her retirement from elite-level competition.

“It has not been an easy decision to take but, after long consideration, I feel it is time to pass the baton to our talented younger rowers. Since the Olympic Games in Rio, I have struggled with a number of injury and medical issues and these have begun to affect the quality of my training. I had hoped to continue competing until Tokyo but, with the postponement of the Games until 2021, I do not feel able to maintain the standard of performance that I know is needed to be successful at this level. The Hong Kong Rowing Team has some young, talented athletes who are ready to step-up and I am confident they will take up the challenge. I am so grateful to the Rowing Association, the Hong Kong Sports Institute, my coaches and everyone who has supported me over all these years and I am excited to take the next steps in my career. I will of course continue to support our sport in any way I can.”

Lee Ka Man began rowing at age 13 through the Association’s school-visit scheme and joined the Hong Kong Youth Development Squad a year later, racing at her first Asian Senior Championships as part of the women’s lightweight quad. The following year, she won two silver medals at the Asian Junior Championships and competed at her first Asian Games, all before her 16^th birthday.

In 2003, she became Asian Junior Champion in the single scull and won silver medals at the Asian Senior Championships in both doubles and quads. She also made her first appearance at World level, reaching the A-finals at the World Junior Championships.

In 2006, she won her first Asian Games medal – placing 2^nd in the lightweight singles event in Doha – and the following year she reached the A-finals of the World U.23 Championships.

In 2008 she went on to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games, racing above her weight category in the open single sculls event.

Since then, Carmen has continued to compete at international events all over the world winning numerous accolades for Hong Kong – including further medals at the Asian Games and a second Olympic appearance, racing with her younger sister Lee Yuen Yin in the lightweight doubles event in Rio in 2016.

During her competitive rowing career spanning 20 years, Lee Ka Man has competed in two Olympic Games and won 3 silver and 1 bronze medal at Asian Games, 2 gold, 10 silver and 2 bronze medals at Asian Senior Championships, as well as medals at Asian Beach Games, East Asian Games and World Rowing Coastal Championships.

Head Coach, Chris Perry, who has worked with Ka Man throughout her long career commented:-

“There is no doubt that Carmen has had an incredible career and she retires as the most successful rowing athlete in Hong Kong’s history. It has been a huge privilege to work with her and to see her develop from a somewhat shy junior into a successful and confident female athlete. She has set the bar high for those who will follow her – both in performance and as a role-model for commitment and dedication. The decision to retire is always emotional for long-serving athletes. Nevertheless, I am confident this is the right decision for her at this point and she has my full support. I am certain she will continue to contribute to our sport in various ways in the future and, at the same time, begin a new and equally successful chapter in her life”.

The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association has already announced the intention to invite Carmen to become a “Rowing Ambassador” and to continue supporting the growth and development of the sport.

HKCRA Chairman, Ng Kong Wan, expressed his gratitude for the contribution of Carmen as follows:-

“Carmen is not only a top athlete, who represented HK twice at the Olympic Games, she has also devoted much of her time as an ambassador and seized every chance to promote rowing. Her true sportsmanship and passion for our sport will keep shining for new generations and catalyzing the further development of Hong Kong Rowing”.

HKCRA President, Mike Tanner, paid tribute to Ka Man with the following words:-

“Hong Kong Rowing has been very fortunate indeed to have an elite athlete of Carmen’s ability. I have had the privilege of watching her compete at international competitions over her many years representing Hong Kong, from a young junior athlete to Olympic representation. Her career has set a wonderful example and new high standards for our young athletes to follow. Carmen has always been an excellent ambassador for rowing and for Hong Kong and I wish her a well-deserved and smooth retirement from the Hong Kong Team and international rowing”.

Issued by: Hong Kong, China Rowing Association
Date: 19 October 2020