Former Weightlifting Champion Found Deceased Amid Hoarded Belongings
Chung Kum Weng, also known as Chung Kum Weng, a 90-year-old former Commonwealth Games weightlifting champion, was discovered deceased surrounded by piles of clothing, DVDs, and books, following struggles with hoarding, an inquest has revealed.
The coroner concluded that Chung died from positional asphyxia, with his position indicating he likely suffered a fall into a gap between furniture and was unable to free himself.
Authorities found him obscured by accumulated possessions next to a makeshift bed in his living room.
Background and Sporting Achievements
Chung was a featherweight weightlifter who originally represented Malaysia before relocating to Wales in the 1960s.
He won a gold medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games representing Wales, lifting a total of 337kg.
Personal Challenges and Family Insights
During the inquest, a pen portrait read by his niece, Lai Sim Mayes, described Chung as having mental health difficulties and a hoarding problem.
He "gambled to the point that he maxed out his cards and ended up in so much debt that he had to sell his house,"
she stated.
Despite selling his property, Chung was permitted to live there rent-free, as heard at Pontypridd Coroner's Court.
Chung lived alone with his dog, Lucy, and was found by police in February 2025 after a neighbour expressed concerns about his welfare.
Sporting Career Highlights
British Weightlifting noted that Chung's connection to Wales began when he made his Commonwealth Games debut representing Malaysia at the 1958 Games held in Cardiff, where he won a silver medal.
He also competed in the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games, finishing 10th and 11th respectively.
Later, he represented Wales in the Commonwealth Games and competed for Great Britain in the World Championships, achieving a 7th place finish in 1970.
Later Life and Employment
After moving to Cardiff, Chung worked in a restaurant and subsequently as a bus driver.
