Hong Kong must embrace professionalism to move forward, says top swimmer
Geoff Cheah says time has come for governing body to change its approach
Top local swimmer Geoff Cheah says local success has come about more by accident than design and that the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association must step into the 21st century and embrace professionalism.
Asian Games-bound Cheah, holder of 10 Hong Kong records including the men's 100 metres freestyle, said the volunteer-run governing body is holding back the development of the sport.
It is quite amazing the level of swimming we have achieved already, but this has simply been by accident or chance and not because of the system
"For swimming in Hong Kong to improve we need to really improve the structure of our organisation. It is quite amazing the level of swimming we have achieved already, but this has simply been by accident or chance and not because of the system," Cheah said.
"I'm thankful for the volunteers for giving their time to the sport and we wouldn't be here without them. But if the sport is to develop and reach the highest level, we have to make changes to the current level of management and organisation."
While Hong Kong have won medals at Asian Games and junior world championships, no local swimmer has ever reached an Olympic final, let alone won a medal.
Siobhan Haughey, 16, won two silver medals at the Youth Olympics this month and looks to have genuine elite potential. But Cheah warns that she and other talents will be held back by the current system.