Siobhan Haughey’s world record ‘a great inspiration’ for all Hong Kong swimmers, her coach Michael Fasching says
- Family, officials and Hong Kong athletes heap praise on Haughey’s 200m freestyle world record performance at Fina World Championships in Abu Dhabi
- Her father Darach Haughey said the result was down to years of hard work and dedication
Siobhan Haughey’s world record performance at the Fina World Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi should serve as an inspiration for all Hong Kong swimmers, says long-time coach Michael Fasching.
On Thursday night in Abu Dhabi, the Hong Kong Olympian smashed the 200m freestyle world record at the short course competition, grabbing the city’s first ever medal in a world swimming championship.
Fasching, Haughey’s head coach and performance director at Harry Wright International, praised the support provided by the Hong Kong Sports Institute, including their coaches and support staff.
“Siobhan’s world record last night is a great inspiration for all Hong Kong swimmers and coaches across all swimming and sports clubs,” he said. “It proves that Hong Kong athletes and Hong Kong citizens at large have great potential.”
Haughey’s time of one minute 50.31 seconds eclipsed that of Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, who swam a 1:50.43 at the World Cup in 2017. The double Olympic silver medallist will have two more chances at gold when she takes to the pool for the 100m tonight and 400m freestyle set for Sunday.