Fencer Edgar Cheung returned to a hero's welcome from the Paris Games on Friday saying he still can't believe he managed to become the first athlete in decades to defend a men's foil title.

Cheung, who's also the first-ever SAR competitor to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, was greeted by a crowd of fans as he arrived at the airport

“Never give up trying our best to give everything... because for me, it's what I train for, for the Olympics and every day I train hard to be in a good condition to fence," he said.

Cheung said his only regret from the Games was that the men’s foil team didn't qualify.

He said every SAR athlete gives their very best and they deserve respect regardless of whether they win a medal or not.

Cheung said he's going to have a big holiday before getting back to training.

“We prepared for the Olympics for the past three years. It was hard, it was tough and physically, mentally, I'm quite tired. So for me now, I just want to have a good rest and to prepare for the next season,” he said.

Having spent a lot of time in France, Cheung said he was craving Hong Kong cuisine.

He said he had no plans yet on what to do with his HK$6 million prize money.

Commenting on Italy's complaint and suggestions of bias over his victory against Filippo Macchi, Cheung said referees always follow fencing rules, even if they sometimes have different interpretations. He added that the referees in Paris were all professional and experienced.