Hong Kong swimming icon Siobhan Haughey elected to Fina board, vows to ‘speak for all athletes’
- Haughey elected to the board of swimming governing body and promises to represent athletes from the Asian community
- Double Olympic medallist, currently in hotel quarantine in Hong Kong, may return to competition by October after lengthy injury lay-off
Siobhan Haughey has become Hong Kong’s first swimmer elected as a member of governing body Fina’s board, and vowed to “speak for all athletes” – especially those from the Asian community.
The Hong Kong Swimming Association (HKSA) announced the news on Thursday, with a total of 20 current and retired athletes from all five aquatics disciplines and Fina’s six regions chosen to serve on the Athletes Committee from 2022 to 2026.
With 10 elected swimmers on the committee, the 24-year-old Haughey is the second youngest. She said she was “humbled” to play her part in shaping the future of aquatic sports.
“Together, we will be ensuring that athletes’ voices are well represented in the decision making process in aquatic sports. I’m excited and humbled to play a part in shaping the sport of swimming at all levels for now and the future,” said Haughey, who is currently in hotel quarantine in Hong Kong.
The committee consists of 20 members, including 10 from swimming, two from open water, two from diving, two from high diving, two from artistic swimming, and two from water polo. Retired Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson is the committee chair and British Olympic gold medal-winning diver Jack Laugher is vice-chair.
Atkinson said the committee will act as a “critical link” between athletes and Fina.
“Having the athlete community choose those who represent them in important decisions is critical for the future development of our beloved sport,” Atkinson said.
