Salom Yiu, a seasoned player on the Hong Kong, China Rugby Sevens men's team, has enjoyed an illustrious career. Since his debut in 2009, he has overcome multiple setbacks through determination and perseverance, culminating in a gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

I find rugby to be a simple sport, yet it is packed with rhythm and speed. Moreover, it emphasises teamwork, which is one of the main reasons why I was drawn to it.

I personally play as a winger and my main job is to use my speed to score tries. Then there are the forwards, who are usually the stronger players responsible for tackling. The more agile players are responsible for attack and ball distribution amongst the team. Besides the winger, there is also the centre position, a crucial player who focuses on scoring, tackling, and dodging opponents. They’re often referred to as the "all-rounder".

One of the toughest moments was in 2018, during the first World Cup game in Los Angeles. I started off strong, but I got injured early on. It was a low point in my career, especially since the 2018 Asian Games were just a month and a half away. I was worried the injury would keep me from competing. But I stayed determined, and through perseverance, I was able to recover in time to compete in the Jakarta Asian Games, where we won the gold medal. It was the first gold medal in our team’s history, and that victory was one of the proudest moments of my life.

I believe mindset is the most important because it affects everything. For example, when you're physically exhausted from running, a strong mind can help you control your thoughts and push your body through. You also need mental strength to figure out how to deal with challenges, like injuries, and not let them hold you back.

Representing Hong Kong is a responsibility. We’re not just competing, we’re showing the world what Hong Kong is all about — its unique spirit and culture. As athletes, we have the honour of carrying that message on the international stage.