Improving Siobhan Haughey thrilled with second place finish at NCAA Championships after injury-hit campaign
Hong Kong Olympian defies expectations to break her best time at national championships in America
Hong Kong’s top swimmer held off a stiff challenge from Simone Manuel to claim the runner-up spot in one minute, 40.69 seconds on Saturday.
It was a personal best time for the 20-year-old who has emerged as a key swimmer for her college team, the Michigan Wolverines.
“I am really happy with it. It is a best time for me,” Haughey said. “We always know Michigan has a really strong 200 freestyle ... It is great we are all performing well.”
Haughey, who has been hampered by persistent ankle and foot injuries this year, inspired her team to fourth place in the highly-regarded NCAA Championships, the position they targeted going into the event.
“Coming into the meet we just wanted to score as many points as possible and swim great times,” Haughey said.
Stanford were the clear winners at the championships with five-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky sparkling in their ranks. California were second, followed by Texas A&M.
Just last month, the Wolverines finished the season 10-0, ensuring their first undefeated season in two decades.
Haughey represented Hong Kong at the Rio Games in 2016 and reached a debut World Championships final in the 200m freestyle last year, where she finished fifth.
