Medals next for Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey after historic world championships final showing, says former Olympian Ronnie Wong
University of Michigan student finishes fifth in the women’s 200-metre freestyle showpiece at the Aquatics World Championships in Hungary
Siobhan Haughey can take herself and Hong Kong swimming to the next level – winning medals – following her historic fifth place finish in the women’s 200-metre freestyle final at the world championships, according to former Olympian Ronnie Wong Man-chiu.
And despite the occasion, the University of Michigan student was able to improve her Hong Kong record for a third time this week to one minute and 55.96 seconds, having posted 1:56.91 in her semi-final appearance at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games last year.
“It is quite encouraging as the first-ever Hong Kong grown swimmer to achieve such a result. She was born in Hong Kong and trained in Hong Kong. She lived in Hong Kong for 19 years and trained in Hong Kong and we are very proud of her being home grown,” said Wong, the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association president.
“I think she can become a model athlete for the way she trains and has been brought up in swimming and the swimming coaches and local clubs can see someone from Hong Kong can reach this level.
“She can go to another level with the support of her family and Hong Kong. The whole of Hong Kong is behind her.”