National Games 2025 Swimming

Siobhán Haughey Wins Hong Kong's First-Ever Gold

In the spotlight of the 2025 National Games swimming events, Hong Kong's Siobhán Haughey made history by claiming the city's first-ever gold medal in the discipline. Making her debut at the Games, Haughey competed in four individual events, starting with her favorite—the 200m freestyle, where she holds the Asian record of 1:53.92.

Conserving energy in the heats and semifinals, Haughey qualified third and second respectively, earning lane 5 for the final. Facing stiff competition from Li Bingjie, who had already won gold in the 400m and 1500m freestyle, and Guangdong rising star Li Jiaping—who topped both preliminary rounds—Haughey dominated from the start. She led wire-to-wire, touching the wall in 1:54.85. Upon seeing her time on the scoreboard, Haughey flashed her signature radiant smile, expressing satisfaction with her performance post-race.

Another highlight of the swimming competition is China's "Asian Butterfly Queen" Zhang Yufei, who is entered in six events. She has already secured gold in the 100m butterfly and will contest the 50m and 100m freestyle—both events Haughey is also swimming. If both advance, they could clash head-to-head twice in the finals. In Friday morning's 100m freestyle heats, Zhang will swim in heat 1, while Haughey is in heat 4.

Hong Kong's Medal Tally Reaches 3 Golds and 1 Bronze

Hong Kong's delegation secured its first gold before the official opening ceremony, courtesy of sailor Nicholas Bezy in the ILCA7 class. On opening day, cyclist Lee Sze-wing defended her title in the women's road race for the second gold. Haughey's triumph in the 200m freestyle marks the team's third gold, surpassing Hong Kong's previous best at any National Games.

Haughey's victory not only etches her name in Hong Kong sports history but also inspires the next generation amid the Games' high-profile showcase.