Why Hong Kong Is Separate from China in the Olympics and Their Historic Moment at the 2024 Paris Games
Hong Kong made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics when Vivian Kong became the first woman from Hong Kong to win a gold medal in fencing. But this isn’t the only reason Hong Kong is getting attention during these Summer Games.
Hong Kong’s conflicts with China have been big news since 2020, which makes many people wonder why Hong Kong competes separately from China in the Olympics. The answer is both simple and complicated, depending on how much you want to know.
How is Hong Kong in the Olympics in 2024?
When the UK handed over control of Hong Kong to China in 1997, Hong Kong kept its own National Olympic Committee (NOC). This allows Hong Kong athletes to compete separately from China’s athletes.
Why is Hong Kong not with China in the Olympics?
Hong Kong has had its own NOC since they first competed in the Olympics in 1952.
How much does Hong Kong pay for Olympic medals?
Hong Kong rewards its winning athletes more than any other country: Sky News reports that Hong Kong awards $768,000 per gold medal and $380,000 per silver medal.
How many athletes from Hong Kong are in the Olympics?
There are 35 athletes from Hong Kong in the 2024 Paris Olympics. They include:
- Fencing: Daphne Chan, No Wai Hang, Vivian Kong (first Hong Kong woman to win gold in fencing), Cheung Ka Long (gold in men’s fencing)
- Artistic Gymnastics: Shek Wai Hung
- Swimming: Stephanie Au, Camille Cheng, Cindy Cheung, Siobhán Haughey (bronze in women’s 200-meter freestyle), Ian Ho, Natalie Kan, Tam Hoi Lam
- Triathlon: Jason Ng Tai Long
- Cycling: Lee Sze Wing, Lau Wan Yau
- Taekwondo: Lo Wai Fung
- Judo: Wong Ka Lee
- Rowing: Chiu Hin Chun
- Sailing: Russell Alysworth, Ma Kwan Ching, Nicholas Halliday, Akira Sakai, Cheng Ching Yin
- Sprinting: Felix Diu
- Badminton: Yeung Pui Lam, Tang Chun Man, Tse Ying Suet, Yeung Nga Ting, Lo Sin Yan, Lee Cheuk Yiu
- Table Tennis: Lee Ho Ching, Zhu Chengzhu, Doo Hoi Kem, Wong Chun Ting
Is Hong Kong considered China?
Since 1997, Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China. It has its own governing and economic systems, while China handles Hong Kong’s foreign relations and defense.
Is Hong Kong a country?
It depends on who you ask. Technically, it’s an SAR within China after Britain handed it over in 1997. China agreed to give Hong Kong a lot of autonomy for 50 years, but according to the Council on Foreign Relations, China hasn’t kept this promise. In 2020, China passed strict national security laws in Hong Kong, arresting activists, journalists, and others, limiting freedoms of speech, assembly, religion, and press.
What is Hong Kong’s country code at the Olympics?
Hong Kong’s country code at the 2024 Olympics is HKG.
This information is sourced from Parade.
https://parade.com/entertainment/hong-kong-olympics?utm_source=pushly