HONG KONG – After eight grueling competitions spanning three years, Hong Kong singer-actor Kenny Kwan finally achieved a milestone he once thought impossible. On Sept. 7, Kwan and his partner Benny clinched first place in their age category at the HYROX fitness race in Shenzhen, marking the 44-year-old entertainer’s first podium finish in the demanding endurance event.
“I can finally stand on the podium!” Kwan wrote on social media, visibly emotional. “I’m not an athlete who trained from childhood. I didn’t even start exercising until my 30s. But today, I stood on that stage. The feeling is beyond words.”
HYROX, a global indoor fitness competition combining running with eight functional workout stations, has grown rapidly in Asia since launching in Hong Kong in 2022. Participants complete a 1-kilometer run followed by a functional exercise, repeated eight times. Kwan’s journey began in 2021, when he could barely pronounce the event’s name.
“After my first race, I was so exhausted I doubted life itself,” he recalled. “I told myself I’d never do it again. But deep down, I wanted to keep challenging myself. The goal kept rising until I dreamed of one day standing on that podium.”
Kwan’s triumph resonates with many in Hong Kong’s fitness community, where age and late starts often discourage aspiring athletes. According to HYROX Hong Kong, participation among amateurs over 40 has surged 45% in the past two years, driven by stories like Kwan’s.
Gratitude for a Partner’s Push
Kwan credited his victory to partner Benny, who he said dragged him through the race. “You pushed my pace, forced me to give everything. Without you pulling me forward, we would never have taken first place. This honor belongs to both of us.”
The duo finished the Shenzhen event in a combined time that placed them atop the men’s 40-49 age group, beating several younger competitors. Kwan emphasized that discipline, not genetics, was the key. “Age and talent never limit you—only your mindset does,” he wrote.
Next Stop: The Stage
With the HYROX chapter closed for now, Kwan shifts focus to his next challenge: a concert in Guangzhou on Sept. 19. “I’ll bring this same energy to the stage and give the audience everything I’ve got,” he promised.
Kwan’s story offers a practical lesson for anyone hesitant to start fitness later in life: set incremental goals, find a committed partner, and embrace discomfort. Fitness experts recommend beginners consult a coach before attempting HYROX, as the high-intensity stations—including sled pushes, rowing, and burpees—require proper form to avoid injury.
For those inspired by Kwan, many training studios in Hong Kong now offer HYROX-specific classes. The next local competition is scheduled for March 2025.
This article is based on Kwan’s personal social media posts and publicly available HYROX event data.
