Siobhan Haughey adds bronze medal to World Championships haul as coach praises ‘unmatched positivity’ in overcoming obstacles on her path to glory
- Coach Michael Fasching says Haughey has always had the best possible mentors and support on her journey to becoming a world-class swimmer
- ‘The close circle around her is in absolute awe about her infectious positivity and quiet confidence’
Stress at school, homesickness and a mystery foot injury – these are just a few of the many obstacles Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey has had to endure on her journey to becoming one of the best swimmers in the world.
Michael Fasching, her long-time coach who works with Hong Kong’s Harry Wright International, said the 24-year-old Haughey’s positive outlook on life and determination to succeed – along with proper support – has helped her deal with the difficulties of being a full-time athlete.
Last week, Haughey made history for Hong Kong when she won the city’s first-ever swimming world title at the Abu Dhabi World Championships, winning the women’s 200 metres freestyle in world record time and also claiming the 100m freestyle crown.
On Sunday, Haughey added a bronze medal to her two golds, finishing behind China’s gold medallist Li Bingjie and Canada’s Summer McIntosh in the 400m freestyle final.
“She has always had the best possible mentors and support that could be rounded up,” said Fasching. “She has encountered and dealt with many problems. Starting with the relentless stressful local school system in Hong Kong to at times feeling very home sick during her first year in Michigan.
“She has faced a mystery foot injury that still accompanied her in the run up to the Olympic Games last summer. She has faced Covid-19 lockdowns of training facilities in the US, long travel to get into the water as well as a cancelled Olympic Games in Tokyo.