BUDAPEST, Hungary — Siobhan Haughey cemented her legacy as one of the world’s top swimmers by claiming her third consecutive gold medal in the 200-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) on Sunday. The Hong Kong star delivered a commanding performance, clocking a season-best time of 1:50.62 to finish well ahead of her competition.
The 27-year-old Olympic double silver medalist took control of the race from the outset, surging to an early lead within the first 25 meters and maintaining her dominance with every flip turn. Canada’s Mary-Sophie Harvey secured the silver, while Claire Weinstein of the United States earned bronze.
Haughey, known for her resilience and precision in the pool, acknowledged the increasingly competitive field she faces.
“In the past, not a lot of people could swim below one minute and 51 seconds [in 200m freestyle],” Haughey said after her victory. “But now more people can achieve these results, so I have to work harder.”
The win adds another chapter to Haughey’s illustrious career. With this gold, she now boasts a total of four golds, one silver, and one bronze across the past three World Aquatics Championships.
A Glorious Year for Haughey
Haughey’s triumph in Budapest is her latest milestone in a year of remarkable achievements. Just months earlier, at the Paris Olympic Games, she secured two bronze medals in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle, further solidifying her status as a global swimming powerhouse.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui lauded Haughey’s performance, calling it a victory not just for the athlete but for Hong Kong as a whole.
“Haughey once again triumphed in an international competition,” Law said in a statement. “Not only did she display her extraordinary capabilities, but she also brought Hong Kong athletes into the world’s spotlight.”
A Victory with Uncertain Horizons
While Haughey’s latest win underscores her dominance in the pool, it also raises questions about her future in the sport. In an interview following the Paris Olympics, Haughey hinted at retirement, revealing plans to take a three-month break from competition to evaluate her career.
This latest victory may influence her decision. For now, however, Haughey remains at the pinnacle of her sport, proving once again why she is one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated athletes.
As the swimming world watches closely, one thing is certain: whether she continues or steps away, Siobhan Haughey’s legacy is already etched in gold.
