The world’s best athletes aren’t just motivated by the idea of winning — they are relentlessly fueled by it. “Winnings Isn’t for Everyone” speaks to the grit, determination and sacrifice athletes say is required to get to the top of their sport. Victory belongs to those who refuse to limit themselves on their dream goals; moving forward no matter the obstacles, just like Cheung Ka Long.
This mindset was vividly demonstrated throughout Ka Long’s journey to defend his gold medal. He overcame challenge after challenge, growing stronger with each test, and in front of the entire world, he seized gold once more, becoming the first athlete in Hong Kong’s history to win two gold medals and the first fencer to successfully defend a Games foil fencing title in 68 years. Not only has he carved out an enduring legacy, but united the city with this inspiring determination. Cheung Ka long did not stop on the laurels of a single victory; he strived to go beyond. For the next generation of athletes*, he has become a beacon of relentless progress, motivating others to fight for their dreams and, in turn, influencing lives with his own journey.
Moved by Ka Long’s relentless drive to win, Nike infuses his spirit in a special edition of the Air Zoom Vomero 5, the second pair of Cheung Ka Long inspired sneakers. To carry on with the design ethos of the Air Max 97 launched two years ago when Ka Long won his first gold, this new version of the Air Zoom Vomero 5 continues to feature Ka Long’s iconic motto, “DON’T LOSE YOUR WAY”, a way to honor his spirit and inspire the next generation of athletes* to not deter from what truly matters: the love and passion that fuels you to chase your dreams.
History Made with First Double Gold – “Hong Kong people can achieve it”
At the Tokyo game three years ago, Cheung Ka Long won a historic gold medal for Hong Kong after 25 years. In Paris, it was not an easy win, facing off against some of the world’s fiercest fencing champions. At the last point, Cheung Ka Long kept his composure with calmness and utmost focus. When he finally clinched victory after 3 rounds, he couldn’t help but display his signature tongue-out victory move. The entire arena was electrified, and his triumph reached every Hong Konger watching the live broadcast.
Ka Long thinks that true victory comes not from technique alone, but the ability to adjust one’s mindset, “When I step onto the piste, I won’t accept defeat—I’ll give my all in every strike. Even if I lose in the end, I won’t make it easy for the opponent to win.”
History was made as he took home 2 gold medals. Behind this journey of winning, there were moments when he struggled with setbacks, but it was precisely his fearless attitude toward challenges he did not leave any regrets. “I chose fencing because I truly love and enjoy this sport, not because I wanted to achieve any specific results. There was a time when my performance went downhill, and I questioned myself a lot, ‘Why am I performing poorly?’ ‘I was doing so well before, I couldn’t go back,’ but I forgot why I started fencing. Since then, I keep reminding myself not to lose my way.”
For Ka Long, his second victory is not just to prove to his own abilities, it serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for other athletes. “It took 25 years for us to take home a second gold, I don’t want us to wait another 25 years for the next world champion. I hope my win can motivate young fencers just starting out, do not give up just because we’re a small city. Anyone can become a champion.” He encourages the next generation of athletes not to shun the hard work, sweat and effort will underpin success on the competition ground.
Ka Long continues to push the boundaries, bringing Hong Kong fencing under international spotlight. “DON’T LOSE YOUR WAY” serves as a powerful reminder to us all, to stay resilient, keep striving even in the face of setbacks and adversity.
Air Zoom Vomero 5 design draws on Ka Long’s devotion for sports and his love for vintage aesthetics
“We often focus on looking ahead and pushing toward our goals, but we forget how far we’ve come. The people and moments we’ve encountered cultivate our lives. It’s important to look back from time to time, to value the past, because every little thing has shaped who I’ve become.” This is what Cheung Ka Long believes, and he hopes to send this message to every athlete and every Hong Konger with the new Air Zoom Vomero 5.
Two years have passed, Nike collaborates with Ka Long once again to create a new colorway for Air Zoom Vomero 5. Ka Long believes old items carry stories and history that new objects simply cannot match. He hopes this sneaker will provide comfort and versatility to go with any outfit, just as he chooses his footwear.
“I always thought new was the best and the most beautiful. Growing up, I have come to realize old things have their own stories. As time passes, objects begin to fade and change color. Others may see these blemishes as flaws, but I see these imperfections as the marks of time. These second-generation shoes are themed around vintage, while being comfortable and easy to match.”
The Air Zoom Vomero 5 retains the classic multi-layered and multi-material structural design of the series, with the collision of materials creating a sense of depth in the overall visual effect. The retro color scheme comes in cobalt blue and gray-white shoe bodies with cream-colored edges, highlighting the metallic design of the SWOOSH logo that echoes his golden achievements, “I believe gold brings me good fortune.”
In the design process, Ka Long came to realize design and sport share something in common, “The style of shoe won’t limit my creativity; on the contrary, it makes me think about how to make the most of the resources at hand. Similar to fencing, although the sport has its own rules and patterns, I always approach it from different angles, trying to do the best I can.”
On every pair of competition shoe, the Air Max 97, to the new Air Zoom Vomero 5, all bear Cheung Ka Long’s motto “DON’T LOSE YOUR WAY”. He truly lives by this guiding principle, hoping to pass on inspiration to others. Ka Long’s motto remains in a subtle yet powerful presence, reminding us of the limitless potential in every young athlete*, in sport and in all of us.
If you have a body, you are an athlete*
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