"After competing in my third Olympics, I have decided to take a break from professional fencing," Kong shared with her "fencing family" on social media. "I look forward to starting a new career and work towards having my own charity to help kids find joy and playfulness back into sports."

Upon returning to Hong Kong on Thursday after defeating French favourite Auriane Mallo-Breton in the women’s epee final, Kong mentioned her plans to use her prize money to establish a charity fund or social enterprise for children.

The 30-year-old, currently ranked number one in the world, has been a fixture in fencing for nearly two decades. Her Olympic victory in Paris came after she had previously suffered two torn cruciate ligaments.

Patrick Yung, an orthopaedic and traumatology professor who treated Kong, told RTHK that her retirement was unlikely connected to her previous knee injuries. "The Vivian I know, other than promoting fencing with her utmost effort, has also done a lot in promoting sports and positive thinking among the general public, particularly young people; I believe she will continue with those works," Yung said. 

Eric Chan, Hong Kong's chief secretary, expressed hopes that Kong might transition into coaching to nurture future fencing talent in Hong Kong. In addition to her fencing career, Kong has pursued academic studies, earning a degree in international relations from Stanford University and a master's in law from Renmin University of China.