Fencing Olympic gold medalist Vivian Kong on Monday signed up for December's Legislative Council election, when she will contest the tourism functional constituency.

The 31-year-old has temporarily stepped away from her duties at the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the campaign.

Speaking after submitting her nominations, Kong said she had never considered running in a geographical constituency and disclosed that she had lodged an application to renounce her Canadian passport.

Tourism is among 12 Legco functional constituencies that allow candidates with foreign residency rights to run for office.

Kong parried talk that her move into politics was a permanent one.

“Nothing is permanent,” she said.

“I think I'm just very grateful to have this opportunity and the support from the industry to really try and show the world how great of a city we are.

“And I think as an athlete, I've had the opportunity to represent Hong Kong and I tried my best, and now I just want another way to do my best for Hong Kong.”

When asked why she believes the tourism sector is the right fit, Kong said the sporting spirit could reach across all sectors.

She added that she had been telling other athletes to visit Hong Kong while she was in competitions and hopes that she could continue this task in a different role.

Kong was flanked by senior executives of companies in the trade while meeting the press.

Apart from Kong, district councillor Marco Ma is the only other candidate currently in the running for the same seat.