While I maintain a regular functional fitness routine, let’s be honest – swimming, cycling and running have never been my strong suits.

So when the chance came up to train for one of the toughest sports – triathlon – with an experienced coach right here in Hong Kong, I felt nervously excited.

The opportunity presented itself last week when I met Andrew Wright, head coach of the Triathlon Association of Hong Kong, China, who has been training the city’s elite triathletes for the 15th National Games.

The squad representing Hong Kong – one of the host cities of the Games this year – includes Oscar Coggins, Robin Elg, Wong Tsz-to, Bailee Brown, Cade Wright and Hilda Choi Yan-yin. They will compete in individual races and the mixed relay at Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour on Saturday and Sunday.

I initially approached Andrew just asking for an amateur training plan – something I could quietly do in my own time.

But he took it a huge step further.