Figure skater Lee tells how to boost standards in Hong Kong, and it isn’t venues

Former Hong Kong figure skater Harry Lee Hau-yin has called for greater professionalism to help the sport become more popular in the city.

The former six-time Hong Kong champion believes figure skating can appeal to local children – but to harness that competitively, better training is needed.

“The majority of the community still tends to see figure skating as a leisure sport, or after-school entertainment,” he said.

“To promote figure skating as a sport, we need professional training, as well as a clearer route forward to be able to demonstrate it as a sport.”

Speaking at Skate Asia, the recreation skating competition being held in Hong Kong until August 15 at Discovery Bay Ice Rink, he said a shortage of venues was no longer the major obstacle in developing figure skating, after new ice rinks were built.

“We do have more venue choices now, so it’s all about professionalism,” said Lee, 29, who retired in 2019 after representing the city for over a decade.

“We’ve seen some positive changes, too. Sidney Chu’s participation in speed skating at the Winter Olympics in Beijing last year was encouraging for ice sports in Hong Kong.”

He said figure skating required explosiveness, flexibility, rhythm and balance – but could appeal to more youngsters at a beginner level.

“Kids tend to have the desire to try out different sports,” he said. “Figure skating would be great for them, because it has a bit of everything. It has similarities to floor gymnastics.

“You need to fall to improve in figure skating, and if you’re not afraid to fall, you’ll be willing to try it and challenge yourself. No world champions are made in this sport without a lot of falling.”

Skate Asia has been held across the continent for over three decades. The summer event was previously held in Hong Kong for its inaugural edition in 1989, and again in 2001.

The 12-day competition has drawn 1,750 skaters from countries and regions including mainland China, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States, competing in individual and team events.