Hong Kong Athlete Vera Lui Competes for Monaco, Sparks Debate

Hong Kong hurdler Vera Lui Lai-yiu has come under scrutiny after competing for Monaco at a European meet, despite remaining registered as a Hong Kong athlete. The Asian Games bronze medallist won the women’s 100m hurdles at the European Small States Athletics Championships meeting in Monaco on May 30 in 13.73 seconds. European Athletics, the organiser of the Challenger event, listed her as representing Monaco and said her time set a national record. Lui was seen draped in Monaco’s flag after the race, while the Monaco national anthem was played during the medal ceremony. However, her World Athletics profile continues to list her as representing Hong Kong. The situation sparked debate in Hong Kong, particularly as Lui remains an athlete supported by the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Responding on social media on Saturday, Lui said her participation complied with international rules and did not involve any change of nationality.