Michael Watson

Born in England in 1938, Michael Watson later moved to Hong Kong where he became a police officer and a noted cyclist. Watson emigrated from England in the late 1950s, soon joining the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. He gradually worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a chief superintendent in the early 1980s, and remaining at that rank for more than a decade. During this time Watson began writing a book on the history of the police force spanning the years from 1841 to 1945, with it being published in 1982.

In addition to working for the police, Watson was a keen cyclist, winning races organised by the Hong Kong Cycling Association in the early 1960s. During this time he also set national records in both the 25-mile time trial and a 50-mile road race. His performances earned him a place on the Hong Kong Olympic team for the 1964 Games in Tokyo, where he placed 30th with his compatriots in the team time trial. Following the Games he rode in several races in both Hong Kong and Macao, again setting further records.

In 1965 Watson became a member of the executive committee of the Asian Cycling Federation. He was then appointed as the team manager for the Hong Kong cycling teams at both the 1965 Asian Cycling Championships and the 1966 Asian Games. Watson continued to ride for his local cycling club, although not a regularly as when he was part of the national team.