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"Since childhood, I spent so much time on table tennis." Still sweating, Ko lai-Chak took a break amid a training session, and shared his feelings, "it's a devotion indeed, yet it brings sweet memories and satisfactions. It's worth it." Though soon turning thirty, Ah Chak (Ko's nickname) still hopes he can once again wearing Hong Kong team's jersey and steps onto the Olympics games' award platform.
Ko first played table tennis when he was ten. His talents were soon recognized in the next two years while he was picked up by the Guangdong team, then became a member of the Chinese national team. However, among the team members at that time were great names like Kong Ling-Hui and Liu Guo-Liang, Ko soon found himself without an opportunity to let shine his sports talents. He returned to Guangdong team with his head down. Ko admitted that he was disappointed, and has considered quitting the sport. It has been his dream to be the world champion, but leaving the national team virtually put an end to his life-long wish. But his passion to the sport didn't vanish with adversities. In 2000, he was given the chance to play for Hong Kong. It was a turning point in his career. Since then, he treasured every chance to play for Hong Kong, and strived for victories. Last year, Ko lai-Chak and his partner, Li Ching, won a precious sliver medal for Hong Kong in the Olympic Games. Ko said at that time he was so happy, happy enough to forget all the hardships and sorrows in the past.
Ko is determined to make yet another breakthrough in the next Olympic Games in Beijing. To cut it short, Ko has already targeted on the gold medal. However hard he understands things will be, he hopes to fuel the rest of his career with more dreams and passions. Besides competing in the international table tennis tournaments , Ko is now fighting another battle line in Hong Kong Baptist University, pursuing a master degree in Sport and Leisure Management. Characteristically, he will be working side by side with his partner Li Ching. Ko feels that studying is in no way easier than training for the Olympic Games, especially when you have to do both. But he thinks it is necessary to equip oneself for the future, so he doesn't mind forcing himself to learn English, and spend his non-training time on studies.
Ko thought it was lucky for him to meet Chan Kwong Wah, now his trainer, when he first came to Hong Kong. He said, "Besides my trainers in Foshang, Brother Wah is one I would like to say thanks to. He taught me so much, things that are helpful for my life in and off the pitch." To travel around the world is one of Ko's wishes. He hopes this can compensate for the leisure time he has missed. But there is still three years' time to the next Olympic Games, it seems he still need to wait for his traveling dream to be fulfilled.
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