Hailing from Hong Kong, Olympic swimmer Siobhán Haughey has been rising through the ranks of world-class swimmers since taking the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at the World Junior Championships in 2013. Since then, she qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and dominated NCAA swimming as a 14-time All-American with the University of Michigan’s swim team. Siobhán made Hong Kong Olympic history in Tokyo, winning the silver medal in both the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle events. They are the first-ever swimming medals won by Hong Kong.
The following interview has been lightly edited.
What is your earliest memory of the Olympics?
My earliest memory of the Olympics is when my parents took my sister and me to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 when I was 11 years old. We got tickets to watch a few swimming sessions. I remember watching the heats on the first night when Michael Phelps broke the Olympic Record in the 400m individual medley. It was amazing as a young swimmer to watch.
How did you first get involved with competitive swimming?
Living in Hong Kong and being surrounded by water, my parents wanted to make sure my sister and I knew how to swim as a life skill. When I was a baby, my parents would take me to the pool in our apartment complex and teach me how to swim. Eventually, they brought me to a swim club when I was four. I took swimming lessons there and went on to join their swim team when I was six.
When did you realize that you had the talent and desire to become an Olympic swimmer?
When I was growing up, my parents said coaches would come up to them to tell them that I have a talent for swimming. However, I never really thought of going to the Olympics until I was around 13. I went to the London Olympics in 2012 as a spectator. I was so inspired by the competition and the swimmers that I told myself I want to go to the Olympics as a competitor in 2016.
If you could compete in any other Olympic sport, which would you choose and why?
Maybe 3×3 Basketball?! It seems more fun and exciting than traditional basketball, but it’s not as common. Also, I have zero hand-eye coordination, and I don’t know how to play basketball at all. Since I’m so terrible at it, maybe it will force me to practice my basketball skills!
What does it mean for you to represent Hong Kong at the Olympics?
I’m really honored to be able to represent Hong Kong at the Olympics. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and to be able to represent my hometown on the biggest sporting stage is a once – or twice – in a lifetime experience. I want to perform my best at the Olympics and make people in Hong Kong proud.
Bonus Question: What are you most excited about for Tokyo? What makes you the most nervous?
I’m most excited about the opening ceremony! It’s a great way to start the Olympics and celebrate everyone’s achievement before the competition begins. Also, I heard there’s a sushi-making class at the Olympic Village, so I’m excited about that, too. I don’t really feel nervous until I start racing.
