Hong Kong’s top triathletes say they are feeling confident on home turf and are embracing the pressure of the National Games, believing that a medal is within their reach.

The starting horn will sound at Central Harbourfront, with all three legs of the race unfolding along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour.

The four-member squad of Bailee Brown, Hilda Choi, Oscar Coggins and Robin Elg struck gold less than two months ago at the 2025 Asia Triathlon Cup in Japan. They edged China and New Zealand in the mixed relay in Gamagori, which doubled as a test event for the Asian Games next year.

Elg said the team had to overcome many challenges, including the basic hurdle of getting everyone together for training, and he acknowledged that the stakes are much higher for the National Games.

"It's going to be my first Games. For me, it's the first step to get to those next major games, especially I'm aiming for like 2026, seeing for 2026 Asian Games and eventually for 2028 at the Los Angeles Olympics," he said.

"I mean, compared to the to the race we did in Japan, I think there is like so much more reputation at stake and also like there is a lot of pressure on us. I think I'd say it's like positive pressure because it's in Hong Kong and I think Hong Kong people expect us, you know, to have good results considering all the support."

Her teammate Brown was pleased with the win in Japan, but said she isn’t planning to settle. With the home crowd behind them, she believes that winning a medal at the National Games is within reach.

"I'm confident that we can medal, and it's about aiming for first place, actually. I think that we have a really strong team and everyone has the right mindset to work towards this goal," she said.

The action kicks off with the individual races on Saturday, followed by the mixed relay on Sunday.