𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁, 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱

Hong Kong Rowing Team athlete CHAN Chi Fung, Thomas, 22, set a new world record in Concept 2 Indoor Rower with Slides Lightweight Men 19-29 at 21,097 meters with 1 hour 14 minutes 18.1 seconds, surpassed USA rower Joshua Bilchik’s record of 1 hour 15 minutes 54.1 seconds.

Thomas broke 3 world records in the same category from July to September last year^#. However, this challenge of 21,097m (half marathon) was not the original plan of him, “I was preparing for the Hong Kong Rowing Championships, and had no plan for the next challenge. But due to the volatility of the pandemic, the Championships was cancelled on 1 Dec. In order to maintain the motivation of individual practice, I decided to hit the world record again. And, by considering the team training would not be affected, plus the sake of safety, I proposed to the coaches to stay at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and complete the half marathon rowing. A Christmas gift to myself,“ said Thomas.

Concept 2 recognized Thomas’s new world record on 5 January, it is the fourth time for 22-year-old to set the Indoor Rower World Record.

Supported by his family, Thomas targets Asian Continental Qualification

Thomas decided to stay alone and train at the Hong Kong Sports Institute during Christmas holiday, all thanks to the support of his family, “My mother is very supportive of me by asking me to stay at HKSI. She told me, ‘Christmas comes every year, but the opportunity to challenge the world record is rare. When the epidemic eases and normal competition resumes, there will be no chance. HKSI is relatively safe, and you should stay in there if possible.’”

The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association was invited to host the Asian Continental Qualification for the 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships on 24 January. Thomas will certainly attempt the challenge again, “My goal is to secure the qualification and represent the Asian region in the World Rowing Indoor Championship!”

For Enquires:

Mr Tik WONG, Sports Executive

Phone: 38417218

e-mail: tik.w@rowing.org.hk

Concept 2 Indoor Rower with Slides Lightweight Men 19-29 at 21,097 meters record:

https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/racing/records/world?machine=3&event=21097&gender=Male&age=19&weight=Lwt

Note ^#: Row Beyond Limits – Thomas Chan Sets New World Record
(https://rowing.org.hk/news/row-beyond-limits-thomas-chan-sets-new-world-record/)

Thomas Chan Sets Back-to-back New World Record
(https://rowing.org.hk/news/thomas-chan-sets-back-to-back-new-world-record/)

3 Times in a Row, Thomas Chan Sets New Marathon Rowing Record

(https://rowing.org.hk/news/3-times-in-a-row/)

Note ^{^}: Asian Continental Qualification for the 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships

(https://rowing.org.hk/competitions/acq/)