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Ada Li

A group of visually impaired Hongkongers have been training to compete in the Cigna Healthcare Hyrox Hong Kong 2026 race, which starts on Friday.
Max Lam Kwai-hung, 23, will make his Hyrox debut in Saturday’s mixed doubles format alongside his event partner and guide runner Aileen Wong, founder and head coach of local NGO IncluFit.
Born with congenital cataracts, Lam experienced deteriorating vision in his teens and is now totally blind. He started running last year after being introduced to IncluFit, a non-governmental organisation that promotes accessible fitness for people who are visually impaired.
Lam was inspired to try Hyrox after meeting some friends through the NGO and decided to take on a new challenge.
“I realised that this is quite a tough thing after joining,” Lam said.
When the pair started training three months ago, Lam had never set foot in a gym or done strength training. They now train together twice a week.

In the mixed doubles format, Lam will share the workout stations with Wong, who guides him through the race.
While most elements mirror those faced by other competitors, minor adjustments have been made.
“Compared with CrossFit, Hyrox is more accessible to the blind,” Wong said. “They can do almost all of the stations the same as other athletes. The only difference is wall balls, where they do squats instead.”
Training for Hyrox started from a heavily hands-on approach, with a strong emphasis on touch.
“They have to touch the sandbag, the sledge, the carpet, the rowing machine, because they’ve never used these before,” Wong said. “We spend a lot of time touching, imagining and feeling.
“When we explain technique, it’s very hands-on. Max will put his hands on my shoulders, knees and hips so he can feel how the movement is. It’s a lot about trust, patience and communication,” Wong explained.
IncluFit supported three visually impaired competitors in the adaptive solo category at last year’s race. The adaptive category was launched in 2025 at the event in Hong Kong.
This year, that number has grown to seven, including two competing solo, who must complete all workout stations independently.

“Since I started Hyrox, I love the sport, but I notice that in Hyrox in some cities, they do an adaptive category, but [before 2025] I have never seen [this] in Hyrox Hong Kong. So by also providing free, accessible training and service [and] fitness to [people with] special needs, we wanted to send the athletes,” Wong said.
“For most of them, they had never done sledge push or these stations before, so it was very hard at the start,” Wong said. “But once we explained it, they were very excited to try. A lot comes down to being willing to challenge themselves.”
For Lam, managing energy levels will be key to finishing the race.
“Some of the strength stations require a lot of physical effort,” Lam said. “The challenge for me is how to control my energy and not use up everything too early.”
Events such as the farmer’s carry – involving two 24kg kettlebells – and the sled push present particular tests.
“This is my body weight,” Lam said of the kettlebells. “The sledge push is more than three times my weight.”
Despite the demands, he is already looking beyond this weekend.
“After this I will try different sports and keep the habit of exercising,” Lam said. “Doing sport is good for your health and also a great way to relieve stress.”
Among the returning competitors is Benny Chu Kin-wa, one of Hong Kong’s first adaptive Hyrox competitors, who completed the men’s adaptive solo race last year and will compete in the men’s doubles this time.
“I like to challenge myself and try different sports,” Chu said.

His partner, Robert Sue, said being a guide requires constant awareness and clear communication throughout the race.
“Guiding is all about communication and being aware of the surroundings,” Sue said. “During the run, you’re helping them navigate people and obstacles. In the stations, it’s about telling them where to place their hands and how to move. It’s all about communication.”
For Lam and Wong, the goal for their debut is simple.
“We want to finish,” Wong said. “Most importantly, we want to enjoy it and make sure we communicate well.”


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Visually impaired Hongkonger ready for challenge of making Hyrox debut in city

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Max Lam (left) will make his Hyrox debut in Saturday’s mixed doubles format alongside his event partner and guide runner Aileen Wong. Photo: Elson Li

When Max Lam (left) and Aileen Wong started training three months ago, Lam had never set foot in a gym. Photo: Elson Li

Max Lam said that managing energy levels will be key to finishing the race. Photo: IncluFit

Benny Chu (left), who competed solo last year, is competing this year with a guide, Robert Sue. Photo: IncluFit

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Hong Kong

Max Lam will compete in mixed doubles alongside guide runner Aileen Wong, with pair sharing workout stations after three months of training


Max Lam will compete in mixed doubles alongside guide runner Aileen Wong, with pair sharing workout stations after three months of training.


Visually impaired Hongkonger ready for challenge of making Hyrox debut in city

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Max Lam will compete in mixed doubles alongside guide runner Aileen Wong, with pair sharing workout stations after three months of training

Max Lam will compete in mixed doubles alongside guide runner Aileen Wong, with pair sharing workout stations after three months of training